Paris Olympics 2024: India Edges Out Great Britain To Secure Semifinal Spot In Men’s Hockey

The Indian men’s hockey team, despite being reduced to 10 players in the second quarter, triumphed 4-2 in a shootout against Great Britain on Friday to advance to the Paris 2024 Olympics semifinals. Harmanpreet Singh scored India’s sole goal during regular time, marking his seventh goal of the tournament, while Lee Morton netted Great Britain’s only goal. The match ended 1-1 after regulation time.

This marks India’s second consecutive appearance in the Olympic hockey semifinals, following their bronze medal win at Tokyo 2020.

In the first quarter, both teams neutralized each other’s attacks, with no goals scored despite strong efforts from both goalkeepers.

The game shifted in the second quarter when Amit Rohidas received a red card for hitting an opponent’s face with his stick. Undeterred, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh scored from a penalty corner, giving India a 1-0 lead. However, Lee Morton equalized for Great Britain shortly after, with his shot slipping past PR Sreejesh despite the goalkeeper’s initial save.

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Great Britain took advantage of their numerical superiority in the third quarter, controlling much of the play and limiting India’s offensive opportunities. In the final quarter, Great Britain had several chances but was thwarted by a resolute Indian defense and crucial saves by Sreejesh.

In the shootout, Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Kumar Upadhyay, and Rajkumar Pal scored for India. Great Britain’s Connor Williamson missed his attempt, and Sreejesh saved Phillip Roper’s shot.

India will face the winner of the quarter-final between Germany and Argentina in the semifinals on Tuesday.

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