HIL 2024-25: Soorma clinches SF spot with shootout victory over Bengal Tigers

Synopsis

Soorma Hockey Club has secured a semifinal berth by defeating Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in their final Pool match of the Men’s Hockey India League 2024-25 at Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on January 29.

Key Takeaways

Soorma Hockey Club advances to semifinals
Match ended in a 1-1 draw
Penalty shootout score: 3-0
Key players: Gurjant Singh, Jugraj Singh
Upcoming matches will determine final SF spots

Rourkela, Jan 29 (NationPress) Soorma Hockey Club progressed to the semifinals after a thrilling 1-1 (3-0 SO) penalty shootout triumph over Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers in their final Pool stage encounter of the Men’s Hockey India League (HIL) 2024-25 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Wednesday. Gurjant Singh (10’) netted the opener for Soorma, while Jugraj Singh (56’) leveled the score for the Tigers in the closing moments of the match.

Soorma displayed aggressive defense early on, probing for vulnerabilities in the Tigers' half. The initial opportunity fell to the Tigers, with Sukhjeet executing a counterattack, but Sébastien Dockier failed to convert a cross from goalkeeper Vincent Vanasch.

As the match progressed, Soorma gained control, pushing the Tigers back into their own territory. Soon, Victor Wegnez sent a shot across the goal, allowing Gurjant Singh to deftly deflect it in, giving Soorma a lead. With three minutes left in the quarter, Soorma earned a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet Singh’s attempt was thwarted.

The Tigers came alive in the second quarter, with Tim Cross navigating through defenders, feeding Abhishek, who was denied by the vigilant Vanasch.

Soorma maintained a strategic possession game, maneuvering the ball to create chances. As the quarter ended, both teams were unable to register shots on goal. The third quarter mirrored this pattern, with Soorma in control and the Tigers attempting counterattacks.

The Tigers earned a penalty corner halfway through the quarter, but were unable to capitalize, while Soorma's subsequent corner resulted in Harmanpreet missing the target.

Another penalty corner for the Tigers saw Vanasch thwart attempts from Jugraj and Sukhjeet, maintaining Soorma's lead. As the quarter concluded, the Tigers struggled to penetrate Soorma's defense. In the final quarter, Sukhjeet Singh made a powerful run into the Soorma circle, but his reverse shot went off target.

Soorma quickly countered, with Nicolas Poncelet crossing to Gurjant, but Jamie Carr, the Tigers’ keeper, made a crucial save.

With four minutes remaining, the Tigers intensified their efforts, winning a penalty corner. Jugraj Singh unleashed a fierce flick, equalizing and pushing the game to penalties. In the shootout, Harmanpreet Singh, Vivek Sagar Prasad, and Victor Wegnez scored for Soorma, while Vanasch made three critical saves, securing the extra point for the team.

Shrachi Rarh Bengal Tigers and Hyderabad Toofans have already booked their places in the semifinals, with the final spot pending the outcome of the match between UP Rudras and Tamil Nadu Dragons.