The Indian U-21 hockey team went down 0-2 against Britain in their second match of the Sultan of Johor Cup here today.
The first half of the game saw both the teams making desperate efforts and giving each other a tough fight to score the opening goal of the match. Although both the teams made several attempts to put the ball in the net, the first goal came in as late as in the 28th minute of the match from the stick of Benjamin James Boon.
Trailing by a goal, the Indian men came out attacking in the second half and tried to prevent attack from the rivals but could not keep pace with the opponent team and it was in the 50th minute of the game that Samuel French managed to extend Britain's lead.
The Indian men kept up the fight till the last minute of the match but it was all in vain.
Commenting on the match, coach Harendra Singh said, "The boys played well but failed to create opportunities that could be converted into goals. We need to work on our finishing as well as penalty corners. Nevertheless, the loss will not demoralise the team and we are looking forward to taking on Pakistan in the next game. I am sure the boys will make a come-back and put up a remarkable show in the upcoming matches," he said.
India play Pakistan on Wednesday.
