Hockey World Cup Highlights: Scrappy India beats Wales 4-2 - Updates, Results, Scores, Blog
Veteran forward Akashdeep Singh starred as India defeated debutant Wales 4-2.
The Indian hockey team are currently on 3 points after 1 match, at the top of the points table. (HI)
Veteran forward Akashdeep Singh slotted in a brace as India beat a spirited Wales 4-2 in their final group stage encounter of the 2023 Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
India were scrappy throughout the evening and had to wait till the second quarter to find their first goal via Shamsher Singh. Akashdeep extended the lead early in the third quarter, before a defensive harakiri helped Wales equalise late in the quarter.
Akashdeep, once again, came to India's rescue early in the final quarter before skipper Harmanpreet Singh found his first goal of the tournament to help India close off a victory.
Check out the highlights here:
Not the result the Indian team or fans were looking for, but they would be happy to have bagged 3 full points after a scrappy games. India will now have to fight out against New Zealand in the crossovers on 22nd January, to earn a spot in the quarterfinals.
That's all we have from today's clash at the Kalinga Stadium. Thank you for tuning in!
"We did not play well in the first two quarters. Were better in the second half, need to improve in the upcoming matches," Akashdeep Singh.
India come out on top with a 4-2 win against Wales. But, this is not a result they would have hoped for. The hosts will have to play an extra match in the crossovers against New Zealand to earn their spot in the quarterfinals.
Wales were pretty solid in the defense - their goalkeeper especially had a busy day. The two goals in quick succession in the third quarter did give them belief, but India were quite clearly the better side.
IND 4-2 WAL
Wales take off the goalkeeper, India earns a PC. Harmanpreet finally gets on the scoresheet in the World Cup.
IND 4-2 WAL
The quarterfinals spot is out of question for now. Can India just hold Wales for a win?
Wales captain Rupert Shipperley with a foul on Manpreet Singh and off he goes for two minutes with a green card. Can India take advantage?
A very poor review from India as they ask for a foot inside the circle and a PC. Proven wrong. The men in blue lose their only review.
Second time in two matches, India's goal stands disallowed. The tomahawk from Abhishek was very high before it deflected off a defender into the goal.