India beat New Zealand 3-2 in a tight Pool A tie to clinch their men's hockey campaign at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics on Saturday. India scored twice from a penalty corner from Harmanpreet Singh, with Rupinder Pal Singh contributing in the second goal via a penalty stroke.
The match was a close one, especially with some late pressure from New Zealand setting up a tense end, but there was a lot to like from what India showed in their game. Here are the takeaways:
PR Sreejesh on top of his game
Goalkeeper PR Sreejesh acquitted himself quite nicely in this game. New Zealand were disciplined as expected, and were able to stack under constant pressure when they went ahead. Sreejesh made good use of his mitts with a parry from both sides in the last three minutes. He topped it with an extended low boot to his left to keep out the penalty corner (PC) with 24 seconds on the clock. He made these saves easy, but the determination was enormous as he gathered himself immediately after each one. No celebration, no fist pumping, but just a verbal reminder to your teammates to stay current.
Mandeep Singh made his mark
India entered the first circle of the match inside the opening 75 seconds thanks to another experienced member of their squad, Mandeep Singh. Midfielder Neelkant Sharma picked up a pass from the right flank as India used a flat, long pass out to Dilpreet Singh to advance the move. Mandeep saw through Sharma's ball, nothing more than a blow from Sinyu and Bones, swing his marker to the edge of the circle and then head towards the target. New Zealand had no choice but to work hard and earning India's first PC from there was no big deal.
Short corner wealth
In Harmanpreet and Rupinder Pal, India have two of the best drag-flick exponents in the men's field. Also, either Amit Rohidas or Birender Lakra can chip in with small corners. India's excellence with this aspect of the game was visible in their first four PCs. Rupinder Pal's first wicket hit the crossbar after hitting the keeper. The other went straight into the postman's midsection with his stick, giving the defender a penalty stroke, which he put away. Harmanpreet screamed through the field to score her first goal on the next one. The fourth PC was probably the best. Rupinder Pal slammed into a not-so-clean lap, perfectly threw the advancing New Zealand defense guard, and Harmanpreet picked up her second home for the day from her left side to Ram.
There were some nerves in the beginning - New Zealand scored first - but in an open field, Sreejesh, Mandeep and the drag-flickers should force India to struggle.