India have finished second in Pool D of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, after defeating Wales 4-2. However, England defeated Spain 4-0 to claim the top spot in their pool with a better goal difference.
This means that the tournament hosts will have to play the Cross-Overs to go into the quarter finals. The draw has been made, and they will be facing New Zealand for a spot in the last eight.
India finish second in Pool D; Cross-Over against New Zealand to follow
India needed to win their last game by a margin of eight goals or more to ensure top spot. But they weren’t able to meet the massive demands, and now their hopes of going through to the knockouts hang in the balance. They finished level on points with England, at seven each but their goalscoring woes denied them the ability to go through without the extra game.
Against Wales, the team had seven penalty corners, and around six great chances to score. But, their forwards were not able to convert them into goals. The Welsh were able to fight back in the third quarter, scoring two goals. But Akashdeep and Harmanpreet Singh ensured that they came away with the win.
India will play their Cross-Over on Sunday, and will be expected to go through in front of their home crowd.
