India could not finish their final group match on a high as they failed to defeat Canada on Friday. The score read 2-2 after Canada's skipper Scott Tupper scored two goals to help his team secure first and only point of Rio Olympics, while Akashdeep Singh and Ramandeep Singh were the goal-scorers for India.
Canada looked a determined team in their last fixture of Rio Olympics. India might have played some decent hockey, but Canada's goalkeeper, David Carter was brilliant throughout the match to deny India a victory.
India were in complete control for the first 15 minutes of the match, dominating possession and playing some good hockey. However, they were not able to find the back of the net, with Canada's defence standing firm in the first quarter.
India, who have scored most of their goals from penalty corners, were dependent on goals from VR Raghunath and Rupinder Pal SIngh, but the duo failed to get past Carter.
Manpreet Singh got a good chance to score early in the second quarter, but goalkeeper Carter, who was at his menacing best, made another save to deny India their opening goal. Despite India's domination, and a penalty corner as well, India could not get break the deadlock. In fact, Canada also looked a threat while going forward at times. Canada must have been happy with the 0-0 scoreline in the first half.
India managed to break the deadlock in the 33rd minute. After India's penalty corner was blocked by Canada's goalkeeper, Akashdeep scored from the rebound. It was his first goal of Rio 2016. But, that joy did not last long for India as Canada came back into the game straightaway with Tupper scoring from a penalty corner.
With two goals in a single minute, the game opened up brilliantly, and both teams could sense victory. India regained the lead after Raghunath fired a long ball, which was finished wonderfully by Ramandeep.
Canada looked determined to draw level as they were asking questions to India's defence. Tupper once again showed his class, converting a penalty corner via a wonderful drag-flick, making it 2-2. India were desperate to win the match as coach Roelant Oltmans replaced Sreejesh for an on-field player.
India and Canada gave it their all in the final few minutes of the match, with the hope of scoring a winner, but the final score read 2-2. With this draw, India's final position in the group would be determined after Argentina vs Ireland match later on the day.
