Hockey World League Final: India succumb 2-3 to England

India faced 2-3 defeat against England in a closely fought match of the Hockey World League Final in Bhubaneshwar on Saturday.

India started well against England and made it difficult for the opponent to score with their deep defence.

However, playing an attacking game, England took the lead with David Goodfield's goal and maintained it for the first half of the game.

The visitors widened the lead margin to 2-0 in the second half with the second goal coming from Samuel Ward.

India finally managed to get the first success when Akashdeep Singh converted a penalty corner to make it 1-2.

Just minutes later India converted another penalty corner to make a comeback in the game. It was Rupinder Pal Singh who made it 2-2 for the side.

In a close match, India only needed to manage the draw but as the game was to end, Ward scored his second to beat India 3-2.

Meanwhile, the defeat brought the hosts to 4th position in standings.

In the opening match a day ago,?India played quite well to draw 1-1 with world champions Australia.