The memories of the Delhi Commonwealth Games will revive, when India lock horns with Australia in the gold medal match of the Glasgow Games on Sunday.
In the last edition, four years ago, India were hammered 8-0 by the Kookaburras in front of the home crowd at the National Stadium. The Indian team will be aiming to avenge their defeat at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.
It will not be an easy task for India to beat the defending champions, as they are already beaten by the Australians twice this year in the Hockey World Cup and in the CWG group stages. India know that playing Australia will be a different ball game, as they have crushed every opponent so far in the tournament.
However, India are heading into the match on back of some fine performances and after their World Cup debacle they have showed good improvements. They rallied back from a two goals deficit against New Zealand to book final berth.
The Black Sticks made a cracking start and scored twice inside 20 minutes. Simon Child opened the scoring for Kiwis in the second minute and Nick Haig scored on a rebound in the 18th minute to double their lead.
Indian team managed to reduce the deficit in the 27th minute when VR Raghunath's drag flick hit one of the Kiwi players on the chest and referee awarded India a penalty stroke. Rupinder Pal Singh made no mistake in putting the ball past Kiwi goalkeeper.
At the start of second half, the Black Sticks kept India at bay but Ramandeep Singh scored the equaliser in the 42nd minute on Manpreet's brilliant pass. After levelling the match, India got the match into their clutches and minutes later Akashdeep Singh scored the winner.
It was a hard-earned victory for Indians who were playing without their skipper and star midfielder Sardar Singh. Sardar was suspended, after receiving his second cautious against South Africa, but the talisman is available for the clash against Australia.
Australia have overpowered every opponent so far in Glasgow and are on a five-match winning streak, just like the Delhi Games. But their coach Graham Reid is aware of the potential threat from Indians and insisted that it will not be an easy final for them.
India Squad: Goalkeeper: PR Sreejesh (vice-captain)
Defenders: Gurbaj Singh, Birendra Lakra, Rupinder Pal Singh, Kothajit Singh, VR Raghunath
Midfielders: Dharamvir Singh, Sardar Singh (c), Danish Mujtaba, Chinglensana Singh Kangujam and Manpreet Singh
Forwards: Ramandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, SV Sunil, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and Nikkin Thimmaiah
Where to Watch Live
The match between New Zealand and India, is scheduled for a 12:15 pm local time (4:45 pm IST) start, with Live coverage in India is on Ten Sports and live streaming option HERE and HERE. The action will be available live on CBS Sports in Canada with online streaming option HERE.
BBC will telecast the games live in the United Kingdom, with live streaming option HERE or follow the updates HERE. Network Ten will broadcast the matches live in Australia with an online viewing option HERE. For International viewers, including the United States, the action will be available live on official Commonwealth Games 2014 YouTube channel for free HERE.
