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The Indian men's hockey team made the most of a brace from captain Harmanpreet Singh to beat Ireland 2-0 in their third pool game of the men's hockey competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday (July 30). A goal from a penalty stroke in the opening quarter gave Craig Fulton's team the early momentum before a short corner goal early in the second quarter ensured that the Indians remained in control of the proceedings.
The eight-time champions now have seven points from three matches, with games on hand against Belgium and Australia.
The Indians began with gusto against the Irish, earning a penalty corner as early as the second minute. Harmanpreet Singh failed to convert the opening short corner but made no mistake from the spot in the 11th minute after India earned a penalty stroke for an off-the-ball obstruction in the circle.
Lalit Upadhyay tested the Irish defense early in the second quarter even as the Indians stormed the attacking circle repeatedly. The wave of attacks resulted in a penalty corner in the 19th minute which was followed by a re-award.
Harmanpreet Singh tried the aerial route and was helped also by a deflection off an Irish stick which gave goalkeeper David Harte no chance whatsoever.
The Irish, who failed to make an impact in the early stages of the contest, came hard at the Indians in the second half but failed to combine effectively in the striking circle.
Both Lee Cole, who had scored against Australia, and Shane O'Donoghue tried their hand at the drag-flicks that came Ireland's way but were unable to beat Sreejesh in goal.
An intense final quarter witnessed the Irish commit men forward in an attempt to reduce the deficit but the Indian defense displayed their mettle on the day.
Harmanpreet Singh has now scored a total of four goals for the Indians in the three matches while Mandeep Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad have scored one apiece.
Indian men's hockey team take giant step towards securing quarterfinal spot with two games on hand
Following the win against Ireland, the Indians have taken a giant step towards securing a quarterfinal place in men's hockey at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
After a rest day on Wednesday, the Indian men's hockey team will be up against two of the best sides in the tournament.
Defending champions Belgium, who have won both their matches against Ireland (2-0) and New Zealand (2-1), play the Australians later today before taking on India on August 1.
As for the Kookaburras, who won the silver medal in Tokyo, two narrow wins against Argentina (1-0) and Ireland (2-1) have ensured them a second spot in Pool B behind the Belgians for now.
How India fare against these two mighty teams will determine where they end up in the final pool placings ahead of the quarterfinals.
