Paris Olympics 2024: 10-man India edges out Great Britain in intense shoot-out, advances to semi-finals

With hearts in their mouths, fans lost their voices as they witnessed India defeat Great Britain 4-2 in the penalty shootout during the first quarter-final of the men's hockey at the Paris Olympics 2024. Adding to the drama, India played a man down after Amit Rohidas received a red card early in the second quarter. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time and went to a shootout.

ALSO READ | Paris Olympics 2024, Day 9: Team India schedule on August 4 - Events, timings, athletes and all you need to know

Goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh emerged as the hero for India, making two crucial saves to secure the shootout win 4-2. The jam-packed crowd at the Yves-du-Manoir Stadium roared excitedly as India celebrated their victory, while the Great Britain players shed tears after the loss.

What happened in the shootout?

Albery took the first shot against Sreejesh in the shootout and scored even though Sreejesh challenged him. With the clock ticking down, Harmanpreet Singh followed and confidently converted his shot, squaring the game at 1-1. When it was Wallace's time, he was able to slip the ball past a diving Sreejesh. Later Sukhjeet made Payne work hard but ultimately slotted his shot home, making it 2-2. 

For the 3rd shot, Williamson's hit went wide, and Great Britain lost their opportunity. Then, with a well-placed shot, Lalit Upadhyay gave India the lead taking it 3-2. Against Roper, Sreejesh made a tremendous save, and Rajkumar converted his opportunity to complete the victory 4-2. 

Prior to this, Harmanpreet Singh's eighth goal of the tournament came via a penalty corner in the 22nd minute giving 10-man India a lead. But Great Britain's Lee Morton tied the game 1-1 at the end of the third quarter, ending India's five-minute lead advantage. Sumit and Rupert Shipperley received green cards in the third and fourth quarters, respectively, with India shrinking to nine men and Great Britain's to ten. 

India, entered this game fresh off a memorable 3-2 victory over Australia to finish second in their group. The match against Great Britain in the quarterfinals, was a rematch of their Tokyo 2020 matchup. In the previous Olympics, India had advanced to the semi-finals with a 3-1 victory. 

More to follow...

Enjoy 35+ OTTs like ZEE5, LionsgatePlay, Ullu, SunNXT, SonyLIV, Fancode and 250+ Live TV channels at just ₹99