Indians thump China
India trounced China 4-0 in yet another one side-affair in the Hero Hockey World League Round 2 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Saturday.
With the victory, India maintained their perfect run in the tournament. They now have 12 points from four matches and Ireland are in second place with nine points. The Indians play their last league match against Bangladesh on Sunday.
Barring a few skirmishes in the first half, it was smooth sailing for the Indians, who would have expected a stiffer competition from their opponents. China, created a couple of good openings at the start, but once the Indians gathered steam, they had little to do but defend.
VR Raghunath (12th minute, 28th), Dharamvir Singh (39th) and Rupinder Singh (43rd) scored for India. Saturday also saw the best crowd attendance, some of whom stayed even when the skies opened up during the final 15 minutes of the match.
Once again, India opened their account through a penalty corner with Raghunath scoring with a high flick to the left of the goalkeeper.
India increased the lead when Raghunath’s cross from the top of left flank went in straight. They deservedly led 2-0 at half-time.
The break did little to improve Chinese’ fortunes and India continued to dominate with superior ball possession.
Dharamvir made it 3-0 when match was four minutes into the second half, flicking in a loose ball. Rupinder converted yet another penalty corner for India in the 43rd. A penalty corner in the dying minutes might have provided China a mild solace but the visitors could not seize the opportunity.
India captain Sardar Singh said they will not be taking their match against Bangladesh lightly.
Results: India: 4 (VR Raghunath 12th, 28th, Dharamvir Singh 39th, Rupinder Singh 43rd) bt China: 0
Bangladesh: 8 (Krishno Kumar Das 3rd, 11th; AHM Kamruzzaman 16th; Md Mamunur Rahman Chayan 48th, 54th, 65th, 68th; Sheikh Md Nannu 55th) bt Fiji: 3 (Jerome Edwards 17th, Adrian Smith 24th, 69th).
Ireland: 7 (Alan Sothern 15th, 38th, own goal 26th, Conor Harte 30th, Michael Darling 40th, 43rd, David Carson 56th) bt Oman: 2 (Mohamed Hubais Al Shar 28th, 50th).
