Synopsis
India delivered an outstanding performance, defeating Ireland 4-0 in the Men's FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 at Kalinga Hockey Stadium on February 22. This victory marked a clean sweep in the two-match series against the European team.Key Takeaways
- India showed excellent form, winning 4-0 against Ireland.
- Goals scored by Nilam Sanjeep Xess, Mandeep Singh, Abhishek, and Shamsher Singh.
- India completed a clean sweep in the two-match series.
- Kalinga Hockey Stadium hosted the impressive victory.
- Strong defensive performance helped secure the win.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 (NationPress) India showcased an impressive display as they triumphed over Ireland with a score of 4-0 in the ongoing Men's FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 at the state-of-the-art Kalinga Hockey Stadium here on Saturday, successfully completing a clean sweep against the European side in their two-match series.
India's goals were netted by Nilam Sanjeep Xess (14’), Mandeep Singh (24’), Abhishek (28’), and Shamsher Singh (34’). The previous day, India had also defeated the Irish team 3-1 at the same venue, despite a tough challenge.
Ireland began the first quarter with considerable possession and aimed to put pressure on India. Nevertheless, India managed to absorb the pressure effectively, with key contributions from Jarmanpreet Singh and Manpreet Singh.
Ireland received the first penalty corner (PC) of the match, but India successfully defended against it and shifted the momentum towards attack. This determination paid off when Nilam Sanjeep Xess opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a remarkable solo run and finish. Consequently, India concluded the first quarter with a 1-0 lead.
Following that, India began to assert their dominance, creating significant challenges for the Irish defense. Although Ireland attempted to respond with a few promising plays, India's defensive unit remained resolute.
In the 24th minute of the second quarter, India earned a PC, and Mandeep Singh capitalized on it to extend the lead to 2-0. Shortly before halftime, Abhishek scored again after a deflection from Amit Rohidas’s shot, bringing the halftime score to 3-0 in favor of India.
Post-break, India started with great intensity, pushing Ireland back into their own half with rapid attacks. In the 34th minute, India further extended their lead as Mandeep Singh set up Shamsher Singh, who finished from a close range.
Mandeep Singh, along with Abhishek and Manpreet Singh, maintained the aggressive approach. Although Ireland sought to mount a comeback in the closing moments of the third quarter, India held firm, heading into the final quarter with a scoreline of 4-0.
The final quarter mirrored the preceding ones, with India maintaining possession and neutralizing Irish advances. India kept searching for a fifth goal in the closing minutes, but the Irish defense held strong.
