Field Hockey

Indian National Hockey Team Lose 1-2 to New Zealand in Olympic Test Event

Tokyo: Indian men’s hockey team squandered an early lead to go down fighting 1-2 to New Zealand in their second match of the Olympic Test event here on Sunday.

Skipper Harmanpreet Singh put India ahead in the second minute by converting a Penalty Corner, but New Zealand struck back in the last quarter through two well-crafted field goals — Jacob Smith (47′) and Sam Lane (60′) to have the last laugh.

India had made an impressive start to the tournament, thrashing Malaysia 6-0 in their opening match but the second-match defeat means they are currently sitting at the second spot in the points table with one match to go.
India will face hosts Japan on Tuesday.
World No. 5 India started the match with an aggressive approach and dominated possession in the opening few minutes at the Oi Hockey Stadium.

India won their first Penalty Corner in just the 2nd minute, which was beautifully converted by their dragflicker Harmanpreet to give his team a quick start and a 1-0 lead.

The Indian team continued to attack and won another Penalty Corner in the 6th minute, but could not find the target.

It was a difficult phase for the New Zealand team as they were under constant pressure, but given their recent experience of playing in the FIH Pro League, the World No. 8 side defended well, and avoided giving away another goal before the half-time break.

India tried to extend their lead in the initial few minutes of the third quarter through some good combination play inside New Zealand’s striking circle, however, they could not find another break-through.

And Harmanpreet had another chance to extend his team’s lead in the 42nd minute, but New Zealand’s goalkeeper Richard Joyce made a good save.

And The last quarter of the match saw New Zealand turn around the momentum as they started to attack the Indians on the counter.
It was in the 47th minute that New Zealand worked out a good combination in the Indian half, and produced an effective attack which saw Jacob Smith find the back of the net to equalize.
Dealt a huge blow, India looked to restore their one-goal advantage in the remaining minutes. They had some opportunities inside the last quarter but could not capitalize, And With barely a minute remaining on the clock.

Recent Posts

Inside The Steelers Ep.1

DafaNews sponsored team, Haryana Steelers finished 5th place in the league stage last 7th season.… Read More

May 11, 2023

‘You have to have that dog in you’ – England star Bellingham ready to go to ‘war’ in crucial France World Cup quarter-final clash

England midfielder Jude Bellingham has opened up on his competitive nature ahead of the Three… Read More

December 6, 2022

Portugal’s boss Santos explains why he dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for World Cup clash against Switzerland & claims forward ‘set the example as captain’

Portugal boss Fernando Santos has said he dropped Cristiano Ronaldo for tactical reasons against Switzerland… Read More

December 6, 2022

‘He can still improve’ – Giroud fires England Mbappe warning ahead of World Cup quarter-final clash

Olivier Giroud has warned England that there is still more to come from Kylian Mbappe… Read More

December 6, 2022

WATCH: Unbelievable! Goncalo Ramos replaces Ronaldo for Portugal and completes hat trick in World Cup last-16 match against Switzerland

Portugal youngster Goncalo Ramos replaced Cristiano Ronaldo against Switzerland and stole the headlines by scoring… Read More

December 6, 2022

Morocco hero Amrabat endured 3am injection from physio to ensure he was fit for Spain World Cup last-16 upset

Morocco's Sofyan Amrabat has revealed he was up until 3am having injections the night before… Read More

December 6, 2022