England – India 1-3 (1-1 halftime)

The 2012 Champions Trophy had its first major upset on the last game of opening day when #11 India topped fourth-ranked England in a 3-1 decision. India won over some fans in Melbourne after scoring a pair of acrobatic, highlight reel goals in the victory.

It was a game with no clear rhythm or momentum as the teams traded sporadic chances that were few and far between.

England took the 1-0 lead 15 minutes into the game on its first penalty corner chance when Richard Smith flicked the ball into the back of the net. Four minutes later England goaltender George Pinner came up with a huge save on India’s first short corner opportunity. Danish Mujtaba made up for the missed chance with 13 minutes left in the first half when he scored on a diving effort to tie the game at one.

Dark skies loomed over the stadium in the second half, but India’s chances quickly looked bright after Yuvraj Walmiki scored what can only be described as a jaw-dropping goal to give the Indians their first lead of the game three minutes into the second half. The goal gave the Indians a little spring in their step as they were the better team in the second half, though only by a slim margin in the evenly-balanced affair.

Sadar Singh sealed the win with four minutes left in regulation when his penalty corner shot bobbled its way into the net for the critical 3-1 goal. There was little England could to in the waning minutes, but watch the clock tick down as India pulled off the upset.