Hobart, February 22 The Indian men's hockey team put up a much improved performance, but still lost to formidable Australia in the penalty shootout in their FIH Pro League match here on Sunday.
The two teams were tied at 2-2 after full time, with Amit Rohidas (15th) and Jugraj Singh (43rd) putting India ahead before a brace from Joel Rintala (47th, 56th) helped Australia get back on level terms.
However, Australia emerged victorious 5-4 in the shootout.
This followed five consecutive losses for India in the FIH Pro League this year, including four at home in Rourkela. They lost to Spain 0-2 in their first match of the Hobart leg on Saturday.
Australia dominated possession in the early exchanges, pushing India back in their own half. India remained solid at the back and gradually gained control, putting pressure back on Australia and forcing Jed Snowden into action on a couple of occasions.
India were rewarded with a penalty corner late in the first quarter, and they capitalized on it as Rohidas scored from a drag-flick to give them a 1-0 lead.
The second quarter saw end-to-end action, with both teams creating chances. Australia had 10 circle penetrations and two penalty corners in the first half as they looked for a way back into the game.
India had nine circle penetrations, causing problems for the opposition on counter-attacks. The visitors remained strong at the back, ensuring they maintained their one-goal lead at halftime.
Australia continued to dominate possession after the restart. The Indian defensive line remained resolute, keeping the hosts at bay and preventing them from creating clear-cut opportunities.
India extended their lead with Jugraj converting a powerful drag-flick from a penalty corner in the third quarter.
The hosts managed to reduce the deficit early in the fourth quarter, with Rintala scoring from a penalty corner.
With momentum on their side, Australia earned another penalty corner as they remained persistent in their pursuit of an equaliser.
However, they were denied by Yashdeep Siwach's crucial block on the line. With time running out, Australia eventually found the equaliser from a set-piece as Rintala netted his second goal of the night from a penalty corner four minutes from the final hooter.
Australia were relentless in their search for a winning goal and had a couple of opportunities to clinch the game.
However, Mohith was exceptional in goal, making some brilliant saves – including a sensational double save – to ensure India stayed in the game.
With the two teams tied at 2-2 after full time, the game went into a shootout to decide the winner.
It was a tense shootout, with both teams converting their first four penalties, finishing their chances expertly.
However, Aditya Arjun Lalage was denied by Snowden in the final penalty, giving Australia a hard-fought win in this enthralling match.
India will next take on Spain in their third game of the Hobart leg on Tuesday.
