Harmanpreet Singh’s double strike helps India defend their Olympic Bronze crown for the first time since 1972 by beating Spain 2-1. In Tokyo 2021, they beat Germany in a nine-goal thriller 5-4 in the Bronze Medal match.
Having been beaten 3-2 in the semi-final against Germany, the Indians were determined to depart Paris’s shores with at least a medal. Standing in their way were the four-time Olympic Medalists.
First Quarter
The start of the match was fairly sedate, with both teams trying to suss each other out. Sukhjeet Singh created India’s first attempt at goal, where Hardik Singh set him up in the sixth minute. Unfortunately, he put it wide.
The match was also quite physical, as Sumit Walmiki, Gujrant Singh, and Manpreet Singh suffered blows to the body.
Spain then amped up the pressure on India, with Gerard Clapés slaloming India’s defenders to find himself one-on-one with PR Sreejesh.
But the 36-year-old used his experience and made himself big to deny Spain from taking the lead.
India’s defence was as resolute as a brick wall, as the first quarter ended 0-0.
Second Quarter
Three minutes into the second quarter, Spain was awarded a penalty as Manpreet Singh brought down Clapes inside India’s D.
Marc Miralles stepped up to make it 1-0.
Miralles had a chance to make it 2-0 via a one-on-one with Sreejesh but pulled it wide.
India then had the first penalty corner, but a resolute Spanish defence denied Amit Rohidas.
But just before half-time, the three-time Bronze medalists were awarded another Penalty Corner, which Harmanpreet converted to make it 1-1.
So, India had momentum going into half-time. Could they capitalize on it, or could Spain wrestle back the momentum?
Even though both teams were level, Spain had 15 attacking circle penetrations compared to India’s seven.
Third Quarter- Harmanpreet To the Rescue
Three minutes into the third corner, India was awarded another penalty corner for a foul on Mandeep Singh after a review was taken.
And Harmanpreet rifled the ball into the bottom corner to make it 2-1 to India.
Spain then had another Penalty Corner straight after, however India’s defence stood strong likeit was throughout the tournament.
Spain were awarded a third penalty corner, which they converted in the 40th minute, however, the goal was disallowed for a foul on Sreejesh.
In the 44th minute, Luiz Calzado was called into action after he denied India a third goal.
Spain had another Penalty Corner two minutes later, which Marc Recasens put wide.
Fourth Quarter
Spain desperately searched for an equaliser, but India was dogged in defence. Meanwhile, Abhishek and Gujrant pulled off a lovely 1-2 combination to set up Sukhjeet, whose reverse hit sailed just wide of the post.
Spain nearly got the equalizer when Alonso shot just wide of the post.
Hardik Singh walked off the field after being struck on the shoulder.
With nine minutes remaining, Pau Cunil cut across India’s defence, but Sreejesh blocked his shot.
India managed to see the rest of the game out to seal the Bronze medal.
History
This is the country’s 13th Olympic medal in the sport, and their fourth Bronze medal.
Given that Field Hockey is the second most populous sport in India, this is still a significant achievement.
Over the past 30 to 40 years, Hockey has been overshadowed by cricket, so hopefully, the Men’s team achieving the Bronze at back-to-back Olympic Bronze medals may inspire more people to take up the sport.
This was also Sreejesh’s last game for India after announcing his retirement in the post-match interview.
According to onmanorama, Sreejesh, featured in his fourth Olympics, ended with 336 caps to his credit. He won almost everything except a World Cup medal in his 18-year career.
