Champions Challenge Hockey: India beat South Africa 7-4 in style

India bounced back from their disappointing draw against Belgium yesterday in style as they showed great attacking strength to smash in seven goals and beat South African 7-4 today. It was a breathtaking game from the beginning and Michael Nobbs charges will be proud of themselves for having beaten the host nation in style.

Both sides showed great intentions from the word go, as the South Africans took the lead through Reid Ross in the 10th minute, with their first penalty corner. However, India responded immediately to restore parity with their first penalty corner as well, when Sardar Singh flicked in home from a textbook penalty corner.

They then proceeded to take control of the match as Shivender and Sarvanjit showed great composure upfront and the latter scored impeccably to give India a 2-1 lead. The host country tried to launch a few attacks but it was India who extended their lead after Tushar earned their second penalty corner. There was no guessing the outcome when Sandeep Singh stood up as he scored with a high flick to give India a more comfortable 3-1 scoreline.

They then had to withstand a few direct attacks by the South Africans but were finally punished for some bad defending as Harper scored to reduce the scoreline gap. They then nearly drew level through Jones but India managed to hang on with some last gasp defending.

In the 32nd minute, Tushar deflected a shot into the goal to give India a 4-2 lead which remained until half time.

The second half was a blitzkrieg of goals as both sides scored a combined total of eight goals after the break. Da Garcia started the party in the 47th minute to reduce the scoreline. Two minutes later, they managed to bring the score level through Timmond after he capitalized on a mistake by the under pressure Indian defence to raise back their spirits.

Nevertheless, that proved onto be the turning point as India then scored three goals to win the game in style. SV Sunil scored a brilliant solo goal before Rupinder Pal Singh scored a penalty corner to give India a strong 6-4 lead.

Two minutes before the end another Rupinder Pal Singh penalty corner flick bounced off the goalkeeper but Sunil made sure it went in by smashing it high from near the goal.

India will face Poland in their next match, on 29th November.