‘Jeet se nahi bani baat’ – Fans hopeful of India making it to quarterfinals after their win over Wales in FIH Hockey World Cup 2023

India defeated Wales 4-2 in Pool D action of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 on Thursday in Bhubaneshwar, thanks to a brace from Akashdeep Singh. Shamsher and Harmanpreet Singh also scored for India, who held off an onslaught from the Welsh in the third quarter. However, the victory was insufficient, as India will now enter the crossover stage in order to qualify for the quarterfinals.

India was under pressure after England defeated Spain 4-0 earlier in the day to take first place in Pool D. The hosts got off to a fast start, and Mandeep got a shot away in the first minute, but the Wales goalkeeper was up to the task. The Indian team put consistent pressure, but Wales proved to be up to the task.

Nilkanta Sharma attempted a shot in the ninth minute, but Reynolds-Cotterill saved it. In the 17th minute, India got their first PC, but Harmanpreet’s shot lacked power and was easily cleared. Five minutes later, Shamsher took the lead for India, capitalising on a sloppy clearance from Wales from an Indian PC. With his shot, the youngster made no mistake and gave the hosts the lead.

India began the third quarter on a high note in the 32nd minute, when Akashdeep Singh doubled the lead. The India midfielder exchanged passes with Mandeep before finishing the move. India was still on top, but their penalty corner conversion was woefully off. Wales came back in the 42nd minute, against the run of play, with a PC goal from Gareth Furlong.

Minutes later, Draper changed the game’s complexion when another PC assisted them in making it 2-2. Sreejesh saved the initial shot, but Draper capitalised and put it past the Indian goalkeeper. India got off to a good start in the fourth quarter, as Akashdeep made a brilliant run into the box and scored in the 46th minute to make it 3-2.

The hosts were pushing for the fourth goal once more and thought they had it when Abhishek’s shot found the back of the net. However, because it struck a Welsh defender, it was deemed dangerous play. Wales pushed for an equaliser in the final five minutes, but the Indian defence held the score at 3-2.

Wales had been reduced to ten men and had taken off their goalkeeper after India received a PC. Harmanpreet Singh made no mistake this time, scoring in the 59th minute to put India up 4-2 and win the game. The hosts will now advance to the crossover stage in order to qualify for the quarterfinals.

Here is how Twitter reacted to India’s win