Junior Hockey World Cup 2016: India colts beat Australia in penalty shoot-out, enter finals

Lucknow, Dec 16: Home favourites India edged past Australia 4-2 (2-2) via penalty shoot-out to enter the final of the Hockey Junior World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here on Friday (Dec 16).

Tom Craig's goal in the 14th minute gave Australia the 1-0 lead but India equalised through Gurjant Singh (42nd minute) and led 2-1 with a goal from Mandeep Singh (48th).

But Lachlan Sharp's successful deflection from a close angle in the 57th gave the visitors the equaliser as the match ended 2-2 in the regulation time.

In the shoot-out, Indian goalkeeper Vikash Dahiya saved twice to deny Australia the win, as Harjeet Singh, Harmanpreet, Sumit and Manpreet did their job to give the hosts a 4-2 win.

In the final, India will meet Belgium, who beat double defending champions Germany, also in a penalty shoot-out.

IANS