FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 : India must win against Wales to secure Top 2 qualification

After beating Spain by 2-0 in their first Group D match, India locked horns with England for the second group match at Rourkela. Both the teams arrived into the match having won their last match. The Three Lions smashed Wales by 5-0 in Group D’s opening match but they weren’t necessarily favorites to win against India.

In fact the match ended in a goalless draw with both the teams level on points. A win could have ensured a quarter-final spot but neither team could take advantage.

Here's a glimpse at the neck-to-neck match between England and India.#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2023 #StarsBecomeLegends #ENGvsIND @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @EnglandHockey pic.twitter.com/aFzH1MfMYU

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 15, 2023

Despite having numerous opportunities to force a score at the packed Birsa Munda Stadium, neither team was able to capitalize. India only received four penalty corners whereas England received eight. However, the defense on the home team’s penalty corners was flawless.

Both England and India currently have four points after two games. On January 19, when England plays Spain and India plays Wales, it will be determined which team will win the pool and advance directly to the quarterfinals.

Pool D has begun to take shape. This is where the teams stand at the end of Day 3.#HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2023 #StarsBecomeLegends #ENGvsIND @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI @EnglandHockey @rfe_hockey @HockeyWales pic.twitter.com/TV8aotx5J0

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 15, 2023