Sultan of Johor Cup: India Colts Bag Bronze; Defeat New Zealand 2-2 (3-2) In A Thrilling Shootout

India Colts ended ir campaign at prestigious Sultan of Johor Cup with a Bronze Medal after y beat New Zealand 2-2 (3-2) in a thrilling shootout here on Saturday.

India's goalkeeper Bikramjit Singh held his nerves to make three excellent saves while strikers Gurjot Singh, Manmeet Singh and Sourabh Anand Kushwaha scored in tense shootout. Earlier in regulation time, Dilraj Singh (11') and Manmeet Singh (20') h given India a roaring start but New Zealand thawed India's plans in final quarter with goals by Owen Brown (51') and Jonty Elmes (57').

India got off blocks with tactful and compact attack. Swift, short passes and skillful dribbling helped m find success as early as in 11th minute when Dilraj Singh scored from an assist me by Mukesh Toppo. Earlier in quarter, Anmol Ekka and Chandan Yav along with Arshdeep Singh contributed to team's attack but ir attempts didn't pay off but Dilraj was on target to put India ahe 1-0.

India controlled game in second quarter too. ir defence was on point and stalled New Zealand forwards from creating scoring opportunities. However, a defensive error in 19th minute saw India concede a PC. But defence line did well to block back-to-back PCs. In following minute, a brilliant display of stickwork and combination between Manmeet, Anmol and Mukesh saw m score stupendous field goal. 2-0 le in 20th minute put India in good ste. Riding on a good start, India created a flurry of chances before second hooter but y could not extend le.

While third quarter was goalless, New Zealand bounced back in fourth quarter scoring two crucial goals that put India's hopes of winning bronze in a limbo. In 51st minute, Brley Rothwell assisted Owen Brown from right flank with a strong cross pass that was perfectly tapped into net by Brown. Pressing forward, hunting for an equaliser, New Zealand found success in 57th minute when Jonty Elmes, who scored a hat-trick against India in ir previous game, struck a field goal. In previous minutes, both teams h tred PCs but neir found success, however, Elmes goal meant that match would go into a shootout.

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