India was defeated by Australia 1-2 in the bronze medal match of the 2014 FIH Champions Trophy at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubneshwar today. It was a good display by the Indians but they missed too many chances in the game that cost them the match. This tournament provided an idea the areas India need to work upon in the coming year. It was again watched by a full capacity crowd at the stadium.
In the first quarter of the match Australia began on a aggressive note when they earned the first penalty corner of the match in 5.31 minutes but the goal was well saved by the Indian goalkeeper. Australia kept on the attack as Australia got another chance in the 8th minute but was well wide of goal post. India then tried the first attack of the match in the 9.16 minutes, it was hit with force but was not allowed because it was hit outside the “D”. At the end of first quarter it was 0-0.
The second quarter began on a positive note when striker hit the stroke but was the ball did not come to the stick of Australian player and was well wide. India made a good move in the 2nd minute but was well saved by the Australian goalkeeper. Again in the 3rd minute Australia made another good move. In the 4.06 minutes Australian took a 1-0 lead when a pass came to Ockodeon and he stroke the ball into goal. Then India missed 3 more chances in the 6th, 11th and 13th minute. In the last seconds Australia two successive penalty corner’s but was off no use. At the end of second quarter it was 1-0 for the Australians.
In the 3rd quarter Australia was on the attack again as they missed a chance in the 2nd minute. After that India missed a good chance again. Both of the teams missed one chance each in the 5th and 7th minute respectively. In the 12th minute India earned the first penalty corner, got another penalty corner but for India Lalit converted a field goal to equal at 1-1. At the end of third quarter it was 1-1.
In the fourth quarter Sunil missed a golden chance to give India a lead as he was not able to get a stick on to the ball. In the 8th minute Australia took a 2-1 lead from a field goal. India was awarded two penalty corners, Akashdeep missed the second chance. Again in the 12th minute Akashdeep missed another chance of levelling things up.
In this tournament the performance has been pretty good with India finishing 4th. As an Indian fan India can hope for much better performances. They need to work on the fitness, stamina and agility part if they have to compete against top teams.