FIH Men's Series Finals: Italy claims third spot with 2-1 win over Austria
FIH Men's Series Finals: Italy claims third spot with 2-1 win over Austria
Three goals in three minutes of the fourth and final quarter gave Italy 2-1 win over Austria and third position in the FIH Men's Series Finals in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. The goals came between 47th and 49th minutes in a game that was fiercely contested on a day of heavily overcast sky after heavy rain had lashed Kuala Lumpur.
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FIH Men's Series Finals Italy claims third spot with 2-1 win over Austria (4)[/caption]
Though Italy lost only one game in the event - semi-final to Canada - after winning all its three pool games, emerged as the darling team of the crowd. Though ranked lowest in the event here, it did upset many a higher ranked outfits with its determination, ball control, speed, stamina and strategy. Even against Austria, Italians took to a game plan and were trying to create openings in the defence against a packed block put up by Austrians.
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FIH Men's Series Finals Italy claims third spot with 2-1 win over Austria (4)[/caption]
A penalty corner in the first quarter provide non productive for Italians. They had to wait till the 47th minute when Sior Francois hit the boards with an opportunist goal. Two minutes later. P{Patrick Schmidt surprised the Italian defence b directing his shot into the board to bring the teams level. However, in an immediate counter attack, Italy earned a penalty corner that saw Thomas Keenan, one of outstanding players of the tournament, clinching the match winner for Italy.
-PTC NEWS
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