Tamil Nadu Dragons Secure Semifinal Spot by Drawing Against UP Rudras in HIL 2024-25
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating match at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on January 29, the Tamil Nadu Dragons overcame a two-goal deficit to draw with UP Rudras, thereby securing their spot in the semifinals of the Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25. UP Rudras' early lead was countered by determined efforts from the Dragons.
Key Takeaways
- Tamil Nadu Dragons made a strong comeback to secure a draw.
- The match resulted in the Dragons advancing to the semifinals.
- UP Rudras scored two early goals but faltered in the second half.
- The Dragons controlled possession towards the end of the match.
- Upcoming semifinals promise exciting matchups.
Rourkela, Jan 29 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Dragons mounted an impressive comeback from a two-goal deficit to finish with a draw against the UP Rudras in a captivating match of the men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium. This result allowed the Tamil Nadu Dragons to clinch a spot in the semifinals at the expense of the UP Rudras.
Sudeep Chrimako (8`) and Lalit Kumar Upadhyay (15`) found the net for the UP Rudras, while Jip Janssen (32`) and Thomas Sorsby (53`) scored for the Tamil Nadu Dragons. The UP Rudras triumphed in the penalty shootout 3-2 in sudden death, earning a crucial bonus point.
The match represented a showdown between the fourth and fifth-placed teams vying for the final semifinal position. The Tamil Nadu Dragons held the fourth place with 17 points, while the UP Rudras occupied fifth with 15 points. A draw was sufficient for the Dragons to advance, whereas the Rudras needed a victory to secure a top-four finish. After a balanced start, the UP Rudras surged ahead with a well-executed goal by Sudeep Chirmako in the eighth minute, who skillfully trapped a pass from James Albery before sending the ball past David Harte in the Tamil Nadu Dragons' goal.
The Dragons sought an equalizer but were thwarted by a sturdy Rudras defense. The UP Rudras struck again just before the end of the first quarter, leading 2-0 into the second period. A penalty corner was saved by Harte, but Lalit Kumar Upadhyay was quick to capitalize and scored his first goal of the season.
Despite several attempts to create scoring chances, the Dragons found it challenging to penetrate the Rudras' defense. Under the leadership of captain Hardik Singh, the UP Rudras dictated the pace of the game, maintaining their two-goal advantage at halftime.
Tamil Nadu Dragons had a prime opportunity to narrow the gap in the 31st minute. Blake Govers received a long pass in the Rudras' 23m zone. As goalkeeper James Mazarelo rushed out, Govers attempted to set up Selvam Karthi, who unfortunately failed to control the ball, missing a golden opportunity.
However, the Dragons did find the back of the net in the 32nd minute through a clever penalty corner play. The injection reached the second castle, where Govers feigned a shot, allowing Jip Janssen to strike the ball into the goal. This goal rejuvenated the Dragons, who pressed on for an equalizer. Another penalty corner was awarded in the 42nd minute, where Janssen managed to beat Mazarelo with his drag flick, only to be denied by Surender Kumar, who made a spectacular block on the goal line.
Despite multiple entries into the circle, the Dragons couldn't finish past Mazarelo as the third quarter concluded at 2-1. Their persistence paid off in the 53rd minute, when another penalty corner resulted in Thomas Sorsby deftly redirecting Govers' drag-flick past Mazarelo.
With a draw sufficient for advancement to the semifinals, the Dragons focused on controlling possession and consuming valuable time.
The Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers are set to face the Tamil Nadu Dragons in the first semifinal of the Hockey India League on Friday (January 31), followed by a match between JSW Soorma Hockey Club and Hyderabad Toofans in the second semifinal later that day.
