Hockey World Cup 2023: India took on Wales in its final Group D encounter and won 4-2, but missed a direct quarterfinal berth and would have to go through it via the cross-overs. Meanwhile, netizens were lauded India's bravery.
India overthrew Wales 4-2 to finish second in Group D. Consequently, it has qualified for the cross-over contest, where it would be taking on Malaysia for a spot in the quarterfinal of the 2023 FIH Men's Hockey World Cup at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar on Thursday. India had a 2-0 advantage vial goals from Shamsher Singh (21st) and Akashdeep Singh (32nd) before Wales staggered the home team with twin strikes within a couple of minutes. Both the Wales goals came through penalty corners, with Gareth Furlong (42nd) and Jacob Draper (44th) drawing level. Akashdeep rescued the Men in Blue, scoring a fine field goal in the 45th minute before captain Harmanpreet Singh converted a PC in the 59th.
Congratulations on a hard-fought win over Wales. Keep the unbeaten momentum going and wish the team the best of luck for the knockout matches. pic.twitter.com/Zad5kaGebI
— Dilip Kumar Tirkey (@DilipTirkey)India and England have finished with seven points each from three matches. However, the latter tops the group with a better goal difference. In the earlier Group D game, the English whipped Spain 4-0. With the Three Lions directly qualifying for the quarterfinals by topping the group, India and Spain will feature in the cross-over matches separately for the other four quarterfinal berths.
🏑🏆 KNOCKOUTS, HERE WE COME! We finish second in Pool D with 7 points & will face New Zealand in the Crossovers on 22nd January.
💪 Let's defeat the Kiwis & cruise through to the quarter-finals in style!
📷 Hockey India • 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/HbayA6R7oN
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(With inputs from PTI)
India won their last league match in Hockey World Cup against Wales 4-2. Congratulations Team India, wonderful performance.
— Chadalavada Raghuram (@Raghuram_C)