Junior Hockey World Cup: India beats Canada to keep its hopes alive

India won 3-2 against Canada

Following an opening game loss to Netherlands, it was highly important for India to win against Canada to stay in the world cup and they won at the last gasp 3-2. India will now have to beat Korea to progress out of the group stage.

Canada were off the blocks quicker than India and it showed as India gave away an early goal yet again.The attack came from the right, hit the underside of the far post and the rebound was put in by Sukhi Panesar.

Singed by the early goal, India came back strongly but Canada managed to hold on to their lead. Halfway into the first half, Canada was still in the lead but thanks only to the efforts of their keeper Kevin Pereira who pulled off save after save . The pressure finally paid off in the 29th minute when India won its third penalty corner. After fluffing the first two PCs, India made no mistake this time around as Mandeep Singh‘s effort deflected off an onrushing defender and into the goal. Canada managed to hold on till the half time whistle but it was clearly India who were dominating the proceedings.

India started the second half brightly and were looking the more probable of the two to score a goal. A penalty corner that was poorly taken was followed by a PC for Canada. And against the run of play, Canada converted the PC to take the lead with just 18 minutes to go.

India roared back into the game attacking with gusto but the Canadian goalie kept the scoreline in favour of Canada with impressive saves. But even he could not stop India from equalising as a shot from an Indian midfielder was superbly directed into the net by Akashdeep with a subtle flick.

With nine minutes to go, India was in an all attack mode as it piled on players and pushed Canada into their own half.With two minutes to go, it seemed like Canada would hold on for the draw but a decisive review went in favour of the Indians and a Penalty corner was awarded. Having had a poor record of PCs in the game, it was a nervous moment as the young lads took the penalty. This time, Gurjinder made no mistake as he struck the ball to the left of the Goalie into the net. An unsuccessful review for Canada in the dying moments off the game was the last action of the game as India knocked Canada out of the World cup and ensured it kept its hopes alive.

Kevin Pereira of Canada was adjudged Man of the Match for his impressive performance.

India’s final match in the group stage will be played against Korea on December 10 at 8 PM IST.