Indian junior men’s hockey team defeated New Zealand in the penalty shootout to clinch the bronze medal at the Sultan of Johor Cup 2024 on Saturday.
After failing to qualify for the final due to a draw against the same team yesterday, the Indian team got their revenge after the game went into a shootout with the regular time score being 2-2.
India got off the blocks with a tactful and compact attack. Swift, short passes, and skillful dribbling helped them find success as early as in the 11th minute when Dilraj Singh scored from an assist made by Mukesh Toppo.
Earlier in the quarter, Anmol Ekka and Chandan Yadav along with Arshdeep Singh contributed to the team’s attack but their attempts didn’t pay off Dilraj was on target to put India ahead 1-0.
India controlled the game in the second quarter too. Their defence was on point and stalled New Zealand forwards from creating scoring opportunities.
However, a defensive error in the 19th minute saw India concede a PC. But the defence line did well to block back-to-back PCs.
In the 20th minute, Manmeet Singh found an incredible angle to score as Anmol and Mukesh assisted him in the move.
The 2-0 lead in the 20th minute put India in good stead. Riding on a good start, India created a flurry of chances before the second hooter but they could not extend the lead.
While the third quarter was goalless, New Zealand bounced back in the fourth quarter scoring two crucial goals that put India’s hopes of winning the bronze in limbo.
In the 51st minute, Bradley Rothwell assisted Owen Brown from the right flank with a strong cross pass that was perfectly tapped into the net by Brown. Pressing forward, hunting for an equalizer, New Zealand found success in the 57th minute when Jonty Elmes, who scored a hat-trick against India in their previous game, struck a field goal.
India started well in the shootout with Gurjot scoring the first chance but Chandan Yadav missed the second chance. However, three excellent saves from goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh meant that Manmeet and Sourabh’s goals were enough for India to win the tie.