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The last league match of the Sultan of Johor Cup was a contest of opposites. On one hand, India, two-time defending champs, with the most points and wins in the table. On the other, Australia, with just one win and their backs against the wall. They had to win today to have any hope of a bronze medal in the tournament.
The first half saw the famed Aussie grit on display, as they held off the relentless Indian offense. The only reprieve they got was not of their own making, as Indian striker Armaan Qureshi miscued a shot on goal. The first half ended with the scoreboard untouched, but India were the better team staistically, with 5 shots on goal compared to Australia’s 1 and 9 circle penetrations over the Aussies’ 5.
India weren’t going to be neutralized in the 2nd half, as they immediately attacked the Aussie post. They were rewarded with a penalty stroke, which Harmanpreet Singh converted to put India ahead by 1. Australia tried to rally and were somewhat successful, having more shots on goal and circle penetrations in this half than the previous one. But India kept their calm and cruised to a 1-0 win.
India will play Great Britain in tomorrow’s final and will be gunning for their third Sultan of Johor trophy.
