India was defeated by Pakistan 3-4 in the 2nd semi-finals of the Champions Trophy at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubneshwar today. It was an exciting match between these two sides which played some aggressive and fast paced hockey. The match was watched by a full capacity crowd. India did play well but Pakistan team excited their plans much better.
In the first quarter of the match Pakistan began on a positive note when a striker hit the shot but was well saved by the Indian goalkeeper in 6th minute. Pakistan tried another shot but the ball went wide off the goal post. In 11th minute India was awarded a penalty corner and Gurjinder flicked the ball. The Pakistan team asked for an obstruction but the decision was upheld. India took the 1-0. In the last few seconds Pakistan earned a penalty corner but the shot was deflected well wide off the goal. At the end of first quarter it was 1-0 in favour of India.
In the 2nd quarter Pakistan began off to an aggressive start as they tried to hit shot was well saved by the Indian goalkeeper. In 1.20 minute Pakistan striker hit the shot but it was well saved by the Indian goalkeeper. In the 2nd minute Qadir hit a powerful shot inside the “D” and converted into a goal to make it 1-1. In 3.40 minutes India tried a shot but was well saved by Pakistan goalkeeper. After that India was awarded a penalty corner for a push, as it was saved by the Pakistan goalkeeper with left hand. Then in 13.05 minutes India asked a review for a push inside the “D” but the umpire called a free hit. In the last seconds India stroke a powerful hit was well wide off the goal post. At the end of first half it was 1-1.
In the third quarter Pakistan took the lead in 1.20 minutes when Mohmmad Waqas dabbed an open goal. The Indian team asked for review but the decision stood as a goal. In 4.20 minutes India earned a penalty corner but was well wide of the goal post. India tried to push pressure on the Pakistan defence as they tried another shot in 5.04 seconds. In 14.54 minutes India equalized the score at 2-2 when Dharmavir smashed a goal. At the end of the 3rd quarter it was 2-1 to Pakistan.
In the fourth quarter India began on positive note when Sardar hit a powerful shot in the first minute. India tried another shot but was not properly gathered. Pakistan earned a penalty corner in the 4 minute and converted into a goal to give Pakistan a 3-2 lead. India came back with field goal when Nikkin tapped the ball from a powerful stroke outside the “D” and equalled at 3-3. In the 14th minute Qadir sealed the deal with a late goal to give Pakistan a 4-3 lead. India tried everything but was of no use. It was an aggressive match on the whole as both of teams got green and yellow cards at crucial times.
India will now play Australia in the bronze medal match. The Indians have a chance to finish in the top 3 of this prestigious tournament and hope that India can bring back a medal for the country.