It’s raining goals for Men in Blue! India dominates South Africa by 5-0 in Hockey World Cup

Bhubaneswar, November 29: Marking a blistering performance on the home ground, India crushed South Africa by netting 5-0 goals in their first face off. The goals were scored by Mandeep Singh in the 10th minute, Akashdeep Singh in the 12th minute, Simranjeet Singh in 43rd and 46th minutes and Lalit Upadhyay in the 45th minute.

Showcasing an exemplary performance it was raining goals for the men in blue. Harmanpreet Singh tried to convert a penalty corner, but the goal-keeper saves it brilliantly. But, Mandeep Singh controlled the ball and strikes it into the goal. India lead 1-0!

In another brilliant performance, Akashdeep collects the ball on the right flank and drives the ball into the goal with ease. This is too easy for the Indians. The South Africans have hardly penetrated through the Indian half.

 

The South Africans made a few inroads through the Indian half, but to no avail. The Indians are clearly on top at the end of the first half. Mandeep and Akashdeep have put India 2-0 up at the end of the first quarter.

India are continuing to put pressure on the South African goal. The forwards and midfielders are mostly trying to attack through the right flank. After leading the half time, India sored another goal as Mandeep Singh takes the ball on the right flank and produces a great cross. Simranjeet just taps the ball into the goal to make it 3-0 for India.

And another goal for India! There’s no breathing space for South Africa. Akashdeep send the ball into the goal area where Lalit guides the ball into the goal. India lead 4-0 at the end of the third quarter. Simranjeet Singh taps in another goal for India. Manpreet takes the penalty corner, a few Indian players toss the ball among themselves, until Simranjeet is in the perfect position to collect the ball and score the fifth goal for India.

With India taking down South Africa 5-0 in their Hockey World Cup 2018 opener at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. The two teams are placed in Group C alongside Belgium and Canada. Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, Simranjeet Singh (two goals) and Lalit Upadhyay found the back of the net for India.

Simranjeet Singh is named the Man of the Match for scoring two goals in India’s 5-0 victory over South Africa in their first Hockey World Cup match.