FIH Pro League: India crush Ireland 4-0 | Hockey News
NEW DELHI: The Indian men’s hockey team secured a commanding 4-0 win against Ireland in their return leg of FIH Pro League match in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
This marked India’s second straight win over Ireland in the Pro League, following their 3-1 victory in the first leg on Friday.
India controlled the game throughout, with goals from Nilam Sanjeep Xess in the 14th minute, Mandeep Singh in the 24th, Abhishek in the 28th, and Shamsher Singh in the 34th minute.
Ireland showed early promise by earning a penalty corner in the ninth minute but failed to capitalize on the opportunity.
Nilam scored a field goal after receiving assistance from Amit Rohidas. He skillfully handled an aerial ball in the right corner, maneuvered past two defenders, and scored on a rebound after his initial shot hit the post.
India earned consecutive penalty corners in the 17th minute, but Ireland’s goalkeeper Jamie Carr denied Nilam both times. Regular Indian captain and drag-flick specialist Harmanpreet Singh was rested for this match.
India secured another penalty corner in the 24th minute, resulting in Mandeep deflecting a variation from Amit Rohidas’s flick into the goal.
Abhishek scored the third goal after winning possession in midfield. He passed to Mandeep, whose shot was saved by Carr, as was Rohidas’s follow-up attempt, but Abhishek was perfectly positioned to score.
Shamsher added to India’s lead by deflecting a precise cross from Mandeep on the right side.
Ireland increased their pressure in the final quarter but couldn’t break through India’s defense.
With just over two minutes remaining, India faced a penalty corner but defended it successfully.
India had two more scoring opportunities near the end but couldn’t convert them.
India’s next match is scheduled against England in Bhubaneswar on February 24.
