India vs Ireland, FIH Pro League Highlights: India bounce back from a goal down to defeat Ireland 3-1

India move to the fifth spot from seventh in the Men’s FIH Pro League standings after their 3-1 victory over Ireland, who remain at the bottom of the table.

India 3-1 Ireland

Q4, 14′: GOAL! Sukhjeet scores the third goal as India enter the last two minutes of the match with a comfortable two-goal lead! Instead of going for a drag-flick, Harmanpreet decided to put in a back pass towards Rajinder, who takes the shot towards the Irish goal. All Sukhjeet had to do was to put his stick across to deflect the ball and catch Jamie Carr unawares.

Q2, 15′: It’s half-time at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar at the moment, with India and Ireland currently on level terms after scoring a goal each.

Mandeep Singh helped India go level with a superb strike in the second quarter, and the Indians came close to moving into the lead quite a few more times since then.

How will the next two quarters pan out? Stay tuned to find out.

India 1-1 Ireland

Q2, 11′: India have been electric so far in the second quarter in a dramatic turnaround from Q1, and launch another attack with a little over four minutes to go for half-time. A cross from the right flank, however, is deflected by one of the green shirts.

India 1-1 Ireland

Q2, 8′: India are awarded a penalty corner shortly after Mandeep’s stunning strike, giving them the opportunity to move into the lead for the first time today. Their first PC of the match, however, is saved by Ireland.

India 1-1 Ireland

Q2, 7′: WHAT A STRIKE BY MANDEEP SINGH! He charges in from the right flank and takes aim soon as he finds himself inside the circle. And the shot is powerful and precise enough for it to fly past the Irish keeper and hits the back of the net.

India 0-1 Ireland

Q2, 3′: Suraj Karkera is currently standing in front of the Indian goalpost with Krishan Pathak expected to return in the third quarter. Meanwhile, the Indians launch a promising charge towards the Irish goalpost with Sukhjeet attempting a shot after collecting the ball inside the circle, only to lose possession in the end.

India 0-1 Ireland

Q2, 1′: The second quarter is underway at the Kalinga Stadium. Can Harmanpreet Singh and company fight back? Stay tuned to find out!

India 0-1 Ireland

Q1, 15′: That brings us to the end of the first quarter, and it has been all Ireland so far, as they make multiple incursions into the Indian circle, and find themselves a goal ahead as a result.

Can the Indians fight back in the second quarter? Stay tuned to find out.

India 0-1 Ireland

Q1, 12′: Penalty corner awarded to Ireland after the visitors decide to use a referral for a possible back stick. Looks like its goalkeeper Pathak who’s at fault here. Ireland, however, fail to convert the PC as the Indians attempt to launch a counter.

India 0-1 Ireland

Q1, 8′: Ireland seize the lead in the first quarter! Jeremy Duncan puts the Irishmen in the lead after smashing the ball past Krishan Pathak to his right! Nelson with the assist, cutting the ball towards Duncan, finding him at the centre of the circle.

Here’s India’s starting XI against Ireland:

Our Men's Hockey Team is geared up to face Ireland.
It's time to bring our A-game and fight for victory!#FIHProLeague #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame
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.@CMO_Odisha @Sports_Odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @FIH_Hockey pic.twitter.com/JWzuULSwjO

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) February 21, 2025

Here’s the head-to-head record in men’s hockey between India and Ireland:

Matches: 29

India won: 10

Ireland won: 15

Draws: 4

Goals scored by India: 34

Goals scored by Ireland: 42

Here’s what the standings in the Men’s FIH Pro League currently looks like:

It’s worth noting that India have played just four games so far. Netherlands, who occupy the No 1 spot, have played eight.

Here’s a summary of results involving India’s matches Men’s FIH Pro League:

15 February: Spain defeated India 3-1

16 February: India defeated Spain 2-0

18 February: Germany defeated India 4-1

19 February: India defeated Germany 1-0