FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 : Only a big margin win can help India finish on top of Group D

The final match day of Group D is all set to take place later today with a lot at stake. Spain will lock horns with England at 5:00 PM  and India will square off with Wales at 7:00 PM. Spain, England and India are 3 teams that are still in contention to proceed to the knockout rounds while Wales have already been knocked out.

It's Day 6 of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 as Pool C and Pool D head to their conclusion with the final round of games in Bhubaneswar. Tell us your predictions for the games today! #HWC2023 #HockeyEquals #HockeyInvites

— International Hockey Federation (@FIH_Hockey) January 19, 2023

England’s spot at the knockout rounds has already been sealed and a win against Spain will see them finish Group D on top. Meanwhile, the host nation have a huge task in hand and that is to beat Wales by a big margin. India had a bright start to the campaign beating a young Spanish side by 2-0 followed by a goalless draw against England.

Today when Spain and England takes the field, India will be rooting for Spain to win as it will decrease the Three Lions’ goal difference and their points will also remain the same. India will have to beat Wales by at least 5-0 or 6-0 to have a better goal difference.

Hardik Singh, who had doubts of being available for the tournament might start the game after his MRI scan returned positive. Graham Reid’s tenure as the head coach will get even more successful if India gets past the group stages with ease.

Their style of play as well as their intensity have been well praised and tonight when they face Wales at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, fans will be roaring for them to repeat the same performance as the 2 group stages.