Paris (France): India got off to a strong start by running up a 2-0 lead heading into the second quarter. Abhishek scored his 2nd plan in as many games through open play in the 12th minute, while captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner in the 13th. Australia did get a few cracks at the Indian post in the first quarter, but goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh was more than up to the task.
After 52 years, the Indian hockey team won a match against Australia; the last time India got a victory was in the Munich Olympics in 1972.
Australia narrowed the lead to 1-2 at halftime with a goal from Thomas Craig in the 25th minute. In the third quarter, Harmanpreet extended India’s advantage to 3-1 by converting a penalty stroke after a successful video referral. The drag-flick from Harmanpreet had hit Flynn Ogilvie’s foot on the line, but the referee had failed to spot it prompting the review.
Australia fought hard in the final quarter and even gave India a scare when Blake Govers made it 3-2 from a penalty stroke. But India held its nerve to end the group stage on a high.
Before this match, the Indian men’s hockey team had already confirmed its quarterfinal berth. It won against Ireland and New Zealand and drew against 2016 champion Argentina.
