Toofans climb to second place with stellar goals by Gonzalo Peillat, Arthur de Sloover, and Tim Brand
Ranchi (Jharkhand), January 19: Hyderabad Toofans delivered an emphatic 4-0 victory against league leaders Tamil Nadu Dragons in the Ranchi leg of the Hockey India League 2024-25 at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on Saturday. The defeat marked the Dragons’ first loss of the season.
Goals from Gonzalo Peillat (21′, 48′), Arthur de Sloover (31′), and Tim Brand (33′) propelled the Toofans to second place in the league standings with 13 points from seven matches. The Dragons remain on top with 15 points, as per an HIL release.
Match Highlights
Balanced Start
The match began with both teams trading early chances. Tamil Nadu came close to scoring in the first quarter through a penalty corner, but Toofans’ goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya denied Blake Govers with a brilliant save. On the other side, Hyderabad’s Arthur de Sloover set up a golden opportunity for Maico Casella, but Dragons’ David Harte pulled off a crucial save.
Peillat Breaks the Deadlock
In the 21st minute, Hyderabad earned a penalty corner, and Gonzalo Peillat delivered a powerful drag flick into the top corner, giving the Toofans the lead.
Quick Strikes After Halftime
Hyderabad came out firing after the break. Within a minute, de Sloover recovered from a missed trap to slam the ball into the net, doubling the Toofans’ advantage. Just two minutes later, Tim Brand extended the lead, skillfully deflecting Jacob Anderson’s pass into goal, making it 3-0.
Dragons’ Struggles and Peillat’s Precision
Tamil Nadu struggled to find their rhythm as Hyderabad’s defense held firm. Peillat struck again in the fourth quarter, converting the Toofans’ 17th penalty corner with a pinpoint flick between the goalkeeper and the post defender, sealing the 4-0 rout.
Key Takeaways
- The Dragons’ attack, led by Blake Govers, faltered throughout the match, failing to capitalize on opportunities.
- Despite an extra player advantage in the final minutes due to Talwinder Singh’s yellow card, Tamil Nadu couldn’t penetrate Hyderabad’s solid defense.
- Hyderabad dominated possession and executed 18 penalty corners, showcasing relentless pressure.
This commanding win puts the Toofans firmly in contention, setting the stage for a thrilling battle for the league title.