Paris: In a Pool B match on Tuesday, the Indian men's hockey team defeated Ireland 2-0, with skipper Harmanpreet scoring a brace. Despite a few defensive errors, the team's victory was expected, and more or less secured its passage into the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics.
In contrast to the last two games, India continuously broke through the opposition circle and controlled play throughout the first half.
It was expected, considering that Ireland were the easiest of the opponents in this pool.
India was, however, far from convincing in the second half, but the win has taken them to seven points from three matches while the defeat has ousted Ireland from the quarterfinal race.
Belgium and Australia, both unbeaten, have six points each and they play against each other later in the day.
India just about managed to edge New Zealand 3-2 before holding Argentina to a 1-1 draw in their previous two outings.
Most likely, Argentina and New Zealand will fight for the fourth spot in this Pool.
The top four teams from each of the two pools qualify for the quarterfinals.
Harmanpreet (13th and 19th minutes) struck once each in the first two quarters, while the second half remained goalless despite both teams earning plenty of penalty corners.
Ireland were profligate, squandering 10 chances.
India earned their first penalty corner as early as the second minute of the match when Abhishek made a move from the left and passed the ball to Sukhjeet Singh.
However, the Harmanpreet strike was blocked by an Ireland on-rusher.
Even on the rebound, there was a chance, but Mandeep Singh lost possession.
Harmanpreet created another chance by passing the ball to Sumit on the left flank but his reverse strike hit the post.
India did not have to wait long for their first goal.
It came from a penalty stroke awarded to India in the 13th minute of the match.
Gurjant intercepted the ball in between two Irish players and sent it towards Mandeep Singh.
A tackle by Shane O'Donoghue in front of the goalpost resulted in the umpire awarding a penalty stroke, which was converted by Harmanpreet.
The India captain doubled his side's lead by converting the fourth penalty corner in the second quarter.
This was after Ireland's defenders blocked two consecutive attempts.
Clearly, India was dictating the play on the pitch but since the team stayed aggressive throughout, many balls were not cleared properly.
Ireland got their first penalty corner of the match on a debatable call by the umpire.
A ball from Kyle Marshall touched Manpreet's body but he was standing outside the striking circle.
The Indians, who did not have a referral left, protested but the PC remained.
India custodian PR Sreejesh blocked the shot to keep India's 2-0 lead intact.
Ireland played much better in the third quarter, earning as many as eight penalty corners but converted none.
There were a few defensive lapses from the Indian side but they escaped without any damage.
A better opponent could have punished India for the mistakes.
Ireland earned two more penalty corners in the final quarter but they lacked finishing.
With PTI inputs