FIH Series Finals: Indian strikers run riot against Russia

Eight Indian players got their names on to the score sheet as the hosts treated the crowd, and the Russians, to some fast and free-flowing hockey in the FIH Series Finals which enthralled the crowd at the Kalinga Stadium.

The Indian think-tank too had a lot to pleased about – Ramandeep's international comeback did not produce a goal but the striker was busy as ever, feeding Mandeep, Akashdeep, and Simranjeet with some delectable crosses and through balls which resulted in a few PCs as well. 

All three Indian drag-flickers - Harmanpreet, Varun, and Amit Rohidas found the back of the net even as Nilakanta Sharma played the role of an attacking midfielder with aplomb.

It was the defence, however, which was caught napping early on, and very nearly paid the price after the Russians penetrated the Indian circle, but Sergey Lepeshkin missed an absolute sitter much to the relief of Graham Reid and the Indian camp. 

Nilakanta opened the scoring for the hosts just before the end of the first quarter and two quick goals in as many minutes from Simranjeet and Amit Rohidas in the second quarter forced the Russians to crowd the defence.

Harmanpreet Singh who struck the upright with an early PC made amends by beating goalkeeper Marat Gafarov immediately after the long breather, and the Russians seemed to fall apart completely after Varun added to the tally soon after.

Young Gursahibjit justified his inclusion by deflecting the ball home off a cross from Simranjeet and Vivek Sagar fumbled in the striking circle before resurrecting himself with a superb strike a minute later. 

The hapless Russians replaced their goalkeeper midway through the third quarter with Gafarov making way for Ivan Ozerelev but the move failed to pay off as the Indian strikers ran riot in and around the Russian circle. 

Akashdeep finished the proceedings off with a flourish by smacking a stylish reverse flick into the back of the net just after Harmanpreet had scored his second.

The 10-0 score line pretty much reflected what transpired on the pitch with the Indians managing to enter the striking circle 48 times and unleashing 22 shots on goal.

The hosts were not as hospitable though and allowed the Russians just 7 circle entries of which just a couple were directed towards goal.

Manpreet Singh and co. take on Poland this evening and the script is unlikely to change too much especially since the Indians had prevailed with a 10-0 margin when the two sides last met at the Azlan Shah Cup in March.

In other matches on the opening day, the United States stunned South Africa 2-0 with the Poles thrashed Uzbekistan 4-0.