Men’s HWL final: India, Australia share spoils in close battle

Bhubaneswar: India produced an impressive display but wasted several chances in a 1-1 draw with defending champions Australia in their opening pool match of the Hockey World League Final here today.

Playing in front a partisan crowd at the floodlit Kalinga Stadium, India by far were the better side on display and outplayed Australia in terms of ball possession.

They got off to an attacking start and scored the opening goal through Mandeep Singh’s field strike in the 20th minute. But Australia equalised soon after when Jeremy Hayward converted a penalty corner in the 21st minute.

India created numerous scoring chances in the match but their forwards, especially Gurjant Singh and Akashdeep, were off colour.

India’s goal was set up by skipper Manpreet Singh, who was outstanding in his 200th international cap. Manpreet’s defence-splitting reverse pass was aimed for Mandeep who calmly finished a good move.

But India’s lead was shortlived as Australia drew level in the very next minute through a penalty corner conversion by Jeremy Hayward.

India will play England in their next pool match on Saturday, while Australia will be up against German on the same day.

Germany beat England
Mats Grambusch and Christopher Ruhr scored as four-time Olympic champions Germany started their campaign with a convincing 2-0 win over England in the opening match of the tournament.