After a rollercoaster round-robin stage, India staged a remarkable comeback to knock out tournament favourites Belgium in a breathtaking quarterfinal of the Hockey World League Final. After a 3-3 tie, the end result was determined by a tailspin penalty shootout.
Next in line was Argentina, whose only loss at the Rio Olympics came at the hands of India. The two teams squared off in a rain-affected semi-final on Friday. The encounter saw Argentina edge past India by a slim 1-0 margin – a barrier the men in blue fought hard to overcome in the final quarter. Unfortunately, the one penalty conceded by India eventually made the difference.
In the second semi-final, a depleted German side took on the all mighty Kookaburras (Australia). Four of Germany’s top players including captain Martin Haner were down with high fever rendering them unfit to play. So much so that reserve goalkeeper Mark Appel had to play as forward.
Like the Indians, the Germans fought hard, holding the Australians for majority of the match. But something had to give and it was the Germans who blinked first. They eventually lost 0-3.
As a result, the world’s top two teams Argentina and Australia squared off in a befitting final on Sunday – as India took on Germany for third position.
Hockey India
Putting up an awry display earlier, India had lost to Germany 0-2 in the pool phase. On Sunday, that wasn’t to be the case. Goals by SV Sunil and Harmanpreet Singh put the home crowd at ease with a 2-1 win against a ‘beyond brave and resilient’ German army.
Interestingly, it was Appel who equalised for Germany in the 36th minute before they were surpassed again in the 54th. Despite the non-availability of top players, the Germans fought tooth and nail until the final whistle. Why, some in the playing XI too were down with fever and the team could have just as easily pulled out of the game. Instead they chose to battle it for bronze!
Hockey India
If India showed courage, Germany showed valour. If India won the medal, Germany’s spirited performance and sportsmanship won hearts.
And therein lies the beauty of sports – one we all love to revel in.
Also Read: India lifts third Asia Cup title; retains No.1 ranking in the continent
India won its second successive bronze, even as Australia won its second successive HWL Final title.
– Varun Kumar | SpreadSports
