All the teams in the four groups have played three matches each in the group stage and four teams have already qualified for the quarterfinals of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup. However, Team India finished second in their group and will have to cross one more hurdle to reach the next level of the tournament.
Why didn’t India qualify for the quarterfinals? Who all are eligible for QF? If India reaches to the next stage then who will be India’s competitor? Here’s everything you want to know.
- Qualification scenario for direct quarterfinals:
Each of the 16 teams was divided into four groups i.e. A, B, C and D, each to play three matches against the teams from their pool. As per the rules, the team at the top of the table directly advances to the quarterfinals.
- What do the current standings look like? Which teams qualified directly for the quarterfinals?
Australia topped Pool A with 7 points, Belgium topped Pool B with 7 points and a goal difference of 11, and qualified from their respective groups for the quarter-finals. On the other hand, Netherlands topped Pool C with 9 points, and England topped Pool D with 7 points and a goal difference of 9 to qualify for the QF from their respective groups.
- Why didn’t India qualify for the quarterfinals?
England beat Spain 4-0 and have a goal difference of 9 which makes them table-toppers. Team India needed to beat Wales in such a way that their goal difference was more than England. However, India’s final goal difference is 3, and hence India finished in Pool D spot.
- What about traveling other teams in the tournament?
The second and third place teams will play crossover matches on January 22 and 23.
- Who will India face in the crossover match?
India’s next match will be against New Zealand on 22 January.
- What if India wins the crossover match and qualifies for the quarterfinals?
Hosts India will face defending champions Belgium in the quarter-finals if they beat New Zealand in the crossover match in Bhubaneswar on Sunday.
- What is the schedule for the crossover matches?
22 January
Spain vs Malaysia – 4:30 PM IST
India vs New Zealand – 7:00 PM IST
23 January
Germany vs France – 4:30 PM IST
Argentina vs Korea – 7:00 PM IST
The quarter-finals will begin on January 24 and the final will be held on January 29.