World Cup Hockey: India has last chance to reach quarter finals today
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All-rounder center half Hardik Singh has been ruled out of the entire Hockey World Cup, including the crossover match against New Zealand in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, as he has not recovered from a hamstring strain, denting India’s quarter-final hopes. Shocked. Against New Zealand on Sunday, Raj Kumar Pal, a hardworking and shrewd attacking center half, though little in experience, could come in. On Sunday, India will try hard to register a win over New Zealand.
The front row will have to show strength
If India has to register on New Zealand, then Akashdeep Singh, Shamsher Singh and Mandeep Singh, who are looking in rhythm, will have to perform better. In India’s midfield, especially experienced center half Manpreet Singh will have to show more composure and finesse to guide Raj Kumar Pal and Vivek Sagar Prasad and keep pace with them.
India has defeated last year
The good thing for India is that they won both the matches against New Zealand in the FIH Pro-League last year. Had registered a big win by 7-4 in the first match, then had to sweat a little in the second. Although this match was also successful in winning 4-3. Harmanpreet Singh and Mandeep Singh now scored three goals each. India will have to repeat their stupendous performance in the Pro-League matches to win the crossover against New Zealand.
Need to improve in attack and defense
Due to Hardik being out due to injury and Simranjit Singh struggling with poor form, the two strong links of the host team’s attack and defense are now looking somewhat weak. Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh agreed that we are creating opportunities for goals, but are not able to capitalize on them. It has to be improved. Especially the Indian team is not able to convert penalty corners into goals.
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