India and New Zealand played in an intense, riveting hockey match that showcased some amazing attacking hockey with some impressive goalkeeper saves by both goalies. New Zealand struggled hard for an equaliser while India used both flanks and higher tempo control the game for dominance; thus creating one of the most thrilling contests at Paris Olympics men’s hockey tournament 3-2 victory for India over New Zealand.
New Zealand took an early lead, thanks to Sam Lane’s first-minute goal. India then had several chances to score, but were foiled by experienced goalkeeper Dominic Dixon. Further complicating matters for India was Gurjant Singh being issued a green card early in the first quarter and restricting their offensive options.
India finally took the lead with a goal by Mandeep Singh during the second quarter. He deflected a corner past Dixon despite initially being decided that it had not crossed the line; an umpire referral was filed, yet India held onto their advantage and held onto its 2-1 edge.
NZ continued their attack for an equaliser and earned four consecutive penalty corners, which they failed to convert. Finally, with seven minutes left, their persistence paid off when Simon Child finished off a well-executed indirect penalty corner routine with an easy shot into goal that eventually resulted in their goal being scored by New Zealand.
At first it appeared as though India’s captain Harmanpreet Singh’s drag-flick would be blocked, but after some delay the umpires awarded him a penalty stroke which allowed him to step up to the spot with ease and score easily.
India threatened to add one more goal during the final quarter as they penetrating New Zealand’s circle more frequently, yet Black Sticks managed to keep them out and even prevented two potential goals by having the ball hit crossbar twice instead of scoring!
At the very last second, New Zealand mounted an attempt at an equaliser as Hayden Phillips attempted to shoot with only PR Sreejesh between him and goal. Sreejesh made an incredible save that denied New Zealand, yet ultimately wasn’t enough as India won their second gold of the tournament and will take on Rio 2016 champion Argentina on Monday in their next matchup.