Internet Desk: Australia thump India 4-0 to clinch the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup title. As Australia remained unbeaten in the whole tournament, they started putting pressure on the Indians from the word go.
Ten minutes into the 2nd quarter, the Indian defence, a resilient unit thus far, finally yielded when Thomas Craig found possession inside the D and hit it into the far corner past a hapless Akash Chikte positioned at the near post, to make it 1-0 for Australia. At half-time, Australia were leading 1-0.
A hungry for equaliser Indian team started creating more chances as the second half got underway. Nikkin Thimmaiah’s attempt and Harmanpreet’s drag-flick for India, both failed to breach the Australian fortress before goalscorer Craig hit home their second goal with a valiant dive into the far post in the 35th minute.
In an otherwise tight contest, Australia looked far superior to their opponents in a busy third quarter of the final match.
In the 4th quarter, as the Indian side’s confidence began to dwindle, it was Matthew Gohdes’ turn to put his name on the scoreboards as he netted the 3rd goal for Australia in the 42nd minute, thus marking his 150th cap for his team in perfect fashion.
With three minutes remaining in the match, it was Gohdes again, latching onto a long ball from the Aussie defence and belting it past Harjot Singh at the Indian goal before the latter could barely react. A triumphant Australian side proved their supremacy over the game once again with a 4-0 victory in the final.