Bhubaneswar: India delivered a commanding performance against Ireland, winning 4-0 in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Men) match at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday. The goals for India came from Nilam Sanjeep Xess (14’), Mandeep Singh (24’), Abhishek (28’), and Shamsher Singh (34’), securing a comfortable victory for the hosts.
Ireland started the match with possession, trying to put India under pressure early on. However, India’s defense, led by Jarmanpreet Singh and Manpreet Singh, withstood the early Irish attacks. Ireland won the first penalty corner (PC) of the match, but India managed to deny them a breakthrough. The hosts then took control, building up momentum in attack. The breakthrough came in the 14th minute when Nilam Sanjeep Xess scored a brilliant solo goal, breaking the deadlock and giving India a 1-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter saw India continue to dominate. While Ireland made a few attempts to respond, the Indian defense stood firm. In the 24th minute, India earned a penalty corner, and Mandeep Singh converted it to double the lead. Just before halftime, India struck again, with Abhishek pouncing on a rebound from an Amit Rohidas shot to make it 3-0.
After the break, India came out strong, pushing Ireland back with quick counterattacks. In the 34th minute, Mandeep Singh set up Shamsher Singh for a close-range finish, extending India’s lead to 4-0. Mandeep, Abhishek, and Manpreet continued their relentless attacking play, but Ireland’s defense managed to hold firm as the third quarter ended with India comfortably in control.
The final quarter saw India maintain possession, effectively shutting down any attacking efforts from Ireland. While India looked for a fifth goal, the Irish defense held their ground, and the match ended with a 4-0 scoreline in favor of India.
With this commanding win, India solidified their position in the league, continuing their strong form in the ongoing tournament. The team will next face off against their upcoming opponents, aiming to keep the momentum going.
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