NEW DELHI: Riding on two goals Jasjit Singh drag flicker and PR Sreejesh excellent way under the bar, India overtook Malaysia spirit aside 3-2 to book a place in the semifinals of the World Hockey League Semi Final 2015 in Antwerp, Belgium on Wednesday.
India will face Belgium in the semifinal, July 3, after beating France for the final 5-4 in the fourth quarterfinal. In another semifinal, Australia will face Britain.
India came from behind twice in the last quarter after Malaysia had taken the lead in the second quarter. Today’s victory would have secured a place for Malaysia in the Olympic Games in Rio and played a brand of attacking hockey Indian defense had made a mess.
After India took an early lead courtesy strike Satbir Singh in the third minute of the match, Malaysia and again turn its first penalty corner in the first quarter hit. Razie Rahim was the top scorer and Malaysia took the lead with another penalty corner conversion, this time by Shahril Saabah.
While India’s defense lacked discipline, the attackers did well to penetrate the defense of Malaysia on several occasions, but were refused again and again. PR Sreejesh Indian goalkeeper was in excellent shape and two Malaysians denied certain goals. In the fourth quarter, the Indians up the ante and persistent attacks led to silly mistakes in the Malaysian part.
After losing their first two PCs, India becomes through Jasjit Singh, written in computer for his ability to drag flicker. Sardar Singh shot a perfect Jasjit gave enough time to find an open space and slotted the ball high over goalkeeper Roslan Jamaluddin Malaysian goal. Jasjit then shot the winning goal with four minutes left on the clock at the top of the net to seal the game for India 3-2.
