India flying as Dhanraj turns on the magic

On conceding goals in the first half, Pillay said: ‘‘I fail to understand why we concede early goals. In the first match we conceded one in the third minute and today in the seventh minute. We have to get out of this habit.’’

Pillay has played in three Olympic Games without having a medal to show for it. Today, he said: ‘‘I will be happy to pick up one in Athens.’’

Current world No.13 South Africans took to the field full of confidence after beating Argentina in their opening match. They took a 2-0 lead just 12 minutes into the game. But the Indians pulled one back in the 27th minute and added three more in the second session to complete the victory.

It was heartening to see some of the old magic with two seniors — Dhanraj Pillay and Dilip Tirkey — paving the way for India’s victory.

In the first half, South Africans dominated the game. Prolific striker Greg Nicole converted the first penalty corner of the game for his third goal of the tournament. Not known for speed or sudden bursts, Nicole is an immaculate finisher. He showed his class as he put South Africa ahead.

Six minutes later, Steven Evans struck the ball towards the goal from the left side of the circle. Goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza saved beautifully but deflecting the ball towards Craig Fulton, who slammed it high into the net for a 2-0 lead.

The South Africans put pressure on the Indians with man-to-man defence play, leaving no space for the Indian team. India, however, earned their first penalty corner in the 27th minute. Skipper Tirkey’s shot was deflected by Chris Hibbert and Pillay netted the rebound to make the score 2-1.

In the second half, South Africa were awarded three penalty corners but failed to convert any of them. D’Souza also made things difficult for them with two exceptional saves in the 57th minute. The first was from a shot by Nicol and the second from the resultant effort from Wayne Denne from a narrow angle on the left.

In the 68th minute, Tirkey converted the fifth penalty corner, finding the mark off a direct hit to the left corner of the goal to give India the lead for the first time in the match.

The next minute, in a swift counter-attack, Viren Rasquinha gave a long pass to Pillay who in turn relayed the ball to Deepak Thakur on the left. Thakur wasted no time in passing it to Gagan Ajit who made no mistake to complete the scoreline.

Despite the win, team coach Gerhard Rach appeared unhappy with the way the team played. ‘‘Our young players were nervous when they took to the field’’, he said. ‘‘They played as if they had stones in their legs and committed several errors.’’

India, who next play Australia on Thursday, will be happy with full points now. The greater challenges lie ahead.