Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 13 (ANI): England is crying foul after India won millions of hearts with their terrific display of hockey during tense 5-4 penalty shoot out victory over the former in the semifinals of the Commonwealth Games.

India rallied to pull back to 3-3 after trailing 1-3 against England at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium, in a stunning performance no one expected.

The second semi-final between England and India became a tense affair when extra-time failed to separate the two sides. India converted all of their five penalties, while England scored off four.

England’s hockey players blamed the umpires for their controversial Commonwealth Games semi-final penalty shoot-out defeat to India on Tuesday, claiming they had sacrificed everything for nothing.

India will now meet Australia in their quest for gold at the Games.

England claimed that Arjun Halappa’s crucial fourth penalty was illegal. “The way he dragged the ball for five yards, it was unbelievable,” said defender Richard Alexander.

“It seemed as if the rules had been changed. We teach under-11s at home not to drag, but two of their flicks (in the penalty shootout) were dragged,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Alexander, as saying.

“It was up to the umpire [Tim Pullman of Australia] to stand up and take the call. They will probabaly see the video replays and realise they have made a mistake. We are not taking it away from them (India), but it is hard when you feel like you have lost on a technicality,” he added.

Defending his players’ penalty-stroke technique, India coach Jose Brasa said: “It was within the rules. Halappa had his feet firmly on the ground, the rule is broken only if you move your feet while taking the shot.”

“The critics will always be there. They won’t change. I am an honest coach and I work for the people of this country and not anyone else. All I want to say is that we deserved to win,” he added. (ANI)