In a way, the story was all about the 3rd quarter u00c3u0083u00c2u00a2u00c3u0082u00c2u0080u00c3u0082u00c2u0094 Australia scored three goals and India earned a rash of cards to virtually destroy any hopes of containing the rampaging forwards of the World No. 1 side as Australia beat India 4-2
Ramandeep Singh (right) gets past an Aussie player
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In a way, the story was all about the 3rd quarter — Australia scored three goals and India earned a rash of cards to virtually destroy any hopes of containing the rampaging forwards of the World No. 1 side as Australia beat India 4-2 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey tourney. In the 4th quarter, India fought back with two goals off Ramandeep Singh, one push getting deflected in off an Australian stick. Yet, despite the cards, it's a display that the team would be proud off.
India coach Sjoerd Marijne had mixed feeings: "We did well against the best side in the tournament. But we were pulled back by the cards." India started well and built an excellent pace that kept rattling the Aussie defence and their goalkeeper Andrew Charter had to make some brilliant saves. Ramandeep, Gurjant, Sumit Kumar and Shilanand Lakra showed good pace and skill to keep the Aussie defence guessing. But, in the 28th minute, Australia got a stroke and captain Mark Knowles converted for 1-0.
India held the Australians for almost two quarters before Amit Rohidas picked up a green and then a yellow card in the 34th and 39th minutes, and was suspended. Down to 10 men, India conceded in the 35th, 38th and 40th minute to go 0-4 down. Coach Marijne was obviously upset: " It's difficult to play 11 against 11, so to play 10 against 11?."
Thereafter, India pushed hard and got two goals through Ramandeep Singh, one push getting deflected off Jeremy Edwards stick into goal and then a lovely reverse stick strike giving India their 2nd goal as scores were cut to 2-4. India next play hosts Malaysia today, and need two wins to have any chance of playing for the 3rd-4th spot.
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