Indian players enjoy a game of tag during their training session on the eve of their match against Wales at the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023, at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on January 18, 2023. Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Raut
On paper, India would be favorites to win their final against Wales and win big hockey world cuppool d Heading into Friday’s match here, the difference between the two teams is stark in every possible way – rankings, experience, legacy, expectations, support. It is the last two that India coach Graham Reid calls a double-edged sword. That and the danger of crossing the hazy, barely visible line between confidence and overconfidence.
After playing their first two league matches in Rourkela, the teams reached Bhubaneswar on Monday and are sweating it out in what has been their home for the last few years. hardik singh injured Was disappointing, but things are looking better for the youngster for future games.
15,000-capacity Kalinga Stadium A pack is expected and while Wales have faced crowds in Rourkela, this will be the first time the Welsh will feel its full force playing against the hosts.
India’s defense has been good against tough opponents so far in the competition and will look to carry the momentum against Wales without getting complacent. The Indian forward line of Shamsher Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjeet Singh and Mandeep Singh will look to find the target in the end, although it won’t be easy – the Welsh were overwhelmed in their first two games, but not without a serious defensive performance.
And India’s penalty corner conversions, an area of concern for the hosts, would be tested – England could only convert two out of twelve and Spain managed to earn only two. As of now, India’s actual win margin requirement will depend on the result of the Spain vs England match earlier in the day.
England team training during the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 at Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on January 18, 2023. , Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Raut
Of course, in the second match of Pool D, the best option for India would be for Spain to beat England. This will not only see Spain leapfrog to second place but also leave India without bothering on the number of goals to manage just one win to top the pool.
today’s match
Pool C: Malaysia vs New Zealand (1 PM), Netherlands vs Chile (3 PM)
Pool D: Spain vs England (5 PM), India vs Wales (7 PM).
Spain have one win so far but the young side have been impressive in their confidence and tactical play and will not be an easy opponent for their European rival. Also, England’s trouble with penalty corners continues, making any betting on the outcome of the head-to-head risky.
Also on Thursday, the Dutch team will take on Chile in their final league game, while Malaysia and New Zealand will battle for second place. While the Netherlands are assured of top spot with two wins in two so far and an easy win is predicted against the South American debutants, Malaysia and New Zealand are tied on three points, with the Black Sticks currently on goal difference are ahead.
The Indian hockey team during a training session on the eve of their match against Wales in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2023 match at Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar on January 18, 2023. Photo Credit: Biswaranjan Raut