New Delhi: In a big test of character before the Olympic qualifiers the Indian Eves registered a 2-1 thumping victory over Azerbaijan in the second match of the Four Match Test Hockey Tournament played here at the Dhyanchand Stadium on Monday.
With 2-0 up in tournament, India is sitting at a safe position and cannot lose the tournament from here. The hosts came into the match with a three consecutive victories over Azerbaijan held a psychological edge over the latter and it was clearly visible from the start. India looked to play dominating hockey and did trouble Azerbaijan from the initial moments of the match, but could not make any inroads. However their persistence was paid at last when Ritu Rani, scored a goal in the 18th minute.
But the lead could not last for long as Gyeonga Kim scored the equalizer in the 23rd minute. Despite several desperate attempts from both the sides sco,re line remained the same till the half time.
After the change of ends the pressure started showing on both the teams. India held on to their nerves with better ball possession and were able to force two penalty corners, but failed to convert either of them. They kept on pushing hard and as luck would have it, a deflection off Ashunta Lakra, the Indian captain was cleverly nudged by Saba Anjum to pick up the winner in the 40th minute.
The visitors came hard after conceding the lead and their attacking play won them a penalty corner in the 54th minute, but they blew away the plausible opportunity of getting the equalizer due to lack of co-ordination.
With 15 minutes remaining for the match to get over, Vandana Kataria of India did make some nice run combined with sizeable number of penalty corners but failed to reap much success.
Rajorshi Moitra
Indian Sports News