Attacks, tackles, accidents, catch-your-breath moments with 21,800 spectators going wild. India’s second Pool D World Cup encounter towards England had all of the drama of a tightly contested recreation, besides that the principle ingredient was lacking – purpose.
The two evenly matched and ranked groups fought each second of the 60 minutes, pushing one another from one finish to the opposite on the brand new blue turf of the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium however didn’t convert any of their probabilities to attract for a degree every right here on Sunday.
Also Read | For India, a very powerful factor is we hit the bottom operating: Graham Reid forward of Hockey World Cup 2023
While the Indian forwards couldn’t convert their 9 pictures on purpose, the defensive setup was on prime of its recreation. Like towards Spain on Friday once they maintained a clear sheet. It made certain the hosts haven’t conceded at this World Cup. Chief coach Graham Reid’s in depth work on being frugal in defence got here to the fore as India managed to save lots of a formidable eight penalty corners.
After the primary two spherical of matches, world No 5 England and India are each on 4 factors however the former lead the group with a greater purpose distinction. Spain are third with three factors after a 5-1 victory over debutants Wales earlier within the day. While the top-placed staff will qualify straight for the quarter-finals, the second and third groups will transfer to the crossovers for a final eight berth.
India began brightly with a shot on the English purpose within the first minute however England seized management thereon, pummelling the Indian defence with assaults. The English earned 5 penalty corners (PC) in 90 seconds within the first quarter with Nick Bandurak taking the primary two and Sam Ward the following three.
With first rusher Amit Rohidas on the bench, it was all the way down to Manpreet Singh to take up the duty. The former India captain ran in direction of the glints with no concern, denying the English drag-flickers angles or variations.
“At this level we play fast hockey. It’s always concerning when you give away that many short corners. Both teams will have that feeling. When you have a 0-0 draw, both will feel there is something we missed. I was pleased with the fight and commitment we showed. It was a very nice game to watch, high-skilled hockey. Holds both teams in good stead for later in the tournament. Both teams are exhausted. It was a telling match,” stated Reid.
India skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who’s but to fireside on this World Cup, wasted the one PC likelihood India bought within the dying minutes of the primary quarter.
Goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, who alternated quarters with PR Sreejesh, impressed at the start of the second quarter, making a advantageous save as England earned two extra PCs within the sixteenth and twentieth minutes. This time, native boy Rohidas bought into the act with India saving all seven English makes an attempt from set-pieces.
After 20 minutes of taking part in the sport in their very own half, world No 6 India lastly began to press. A very good run by Mandeep Singh with assistance from Hardik Singh gave India an opportunity as Reid’s boys managed to earn three back-to-back PCs.
India had been wasteful in all their PCs – shared by Harmanpreet and Rohidas – however the tide had turned as India began dominating possession. Both Manpreet and Hardik had a few makes an attempt however had been unable to transform due to goalkeeper Oliver Payne – he was named Player-of-the-Match – as the sport went into half-time 0-0.
After an enthralling gentle and laser present through the break, the groups returned with England wanting unsettled. While it rained PCs within the first half – 11 – the second half was dry with neither outfit incomes a PC within the third quarter. Both groups turned cagey although India tried a few instances with Payne coming to England’s rescue.
Hardik and Mandeep had their probabilities however to no avail. Like towards Spain, Hardik made solo runs in direction of the English purpose however ended up injured when he clashed with an England defender within the fifty fifth minute and needed to be taken off. Manpreet too collided unintentionally with the ball hitting the again of his neck, however was again on his ft quickly.
The contest was fairly clear with three inexperienced playing cards – one for England and two for India – not like the group stage recreation on the Birmingham Commonwealth Games which resulted in a unclean draw with a number of yellow playing cards handed out.
There was drama on the finish but once more as India survived a scare with 19 seconds left when England earned their eighth and remaining PC. Bandurak flicked it to his proper however Surender Kumar saved with a block on the road.
- ABOUT THE AUTHOR
