Goalless draw continues India’s wait for knockouts

Assaults, tackles, accidents, catch-your-breath moments with 21,800 spectators going wild. India’s second Pool D World Cup encounter in opposition to England had all of the drama of a tightly contested recreation, besides that the principle ingredient was lacking – objective.

The 2 evenly matched and ranked groups fought each second of the 60 minutes, pushing one another from one finish to the opposite on the brand new blue turf of the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium however did not convert any of their possibilities to attract for a degree every right here on Sunday.

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Whereas the Indian forwards couldn’t convert their 9 photographs on objective, the defensive setup was on high of its recreation. Like in opposition to Spain on Friday after they maintained a clear sheet. It made certain the hosts haven’t conceded at this World Cup. Chief coach Graham Reid’s in depth work on being frugal in defence got here to the fore as India managed to avoid wasting a powerful eight penalty corners.

After the primary two spherical of matches, world No 5 England and India are each on 4 factors however the former lead the group with a greater objective distinction. Spain are third with three factors after a 5-1 victory over debutants Wales earlier within the day. Whereas the top-placed workforce will qualify immediately for the quarter-finals, the second and third groups will transfer to the crossovers for a final eight berth.

India began brightly with a shot on the English objective within the first minute however England seized management thereon, pummelling the Indian defence with assaults. The English earned 5 penalty corners (PC) in 90 seconds within the first quarter with Nick Bandurak taking the primary two and Sam Ward the following three.

With first rusher Amit Rohidas on the bench, it was right down to Manpreet Singh to take up the duty. The previous India captain ran in the direction of the glints with no worry, denying the English drag-flickers angles or variations.

“At this degree we play quick hockey. It is all the time regarding if you give away that many quick corners. Each groups can have that feeling. When you could have a 0-0 draw, each will really feel there’s something we missed. I used to be happy with the battle and dedication we confirmed. It was a really good recreation to observe, high-skilled hockey. Holds each groups in good stead for later within the event. Each groups are exhausted. It was a telling match,” mentioned Reid.

India skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who’s but to fireside on this World Cup, wasted the one PC likelihood India obtained within the dying minutes of the primary quarter.

Goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, who alternated quarters with PR Sreejesh, impressed in the beginning of the second quarter, making a effective save as England earned two extra PCs within the sixteenth and twentieth minutes. This time, native boy Rohidas obtained into the act with India saving all seven English makes an attempt from set-pieces.

After 20 minutes of taking part in the sport in their very own half, world No 6 India lastly began to press. An excellent run by Mandeep Singh with the help of Hardik Singh gave India an opportunity as Reid’s boys managed to earn three back-to-back PCs.

India have been wasteful in all their PCs – shared by Harmanpreet and Rohidas – however the tide had turned as India began dominating possession. Each Manpreet and Hardik had a few makes an attempt however have been unable to transform because of goalkeeper Oliver Payne – he was named Participant-of-the-Match – as the sport went into half-time 0-0.

After an enthralling gentle and laser present through the break, the groups returned with England trying unsettled. Whereas it rained PCs within the first half – 11 – the second half was dry with neither outfit incomes a PC within the third quarter. Each groups turned cagey although India tried a few instances with Payne coming to England’s rescue.

Hardik and Mandeep had their possibilities however to no avail. Like in opposition to Spain, Hardik made solo runs in the direction of the English objective however ended up injured when he clashed with an England defender within the fifty fifth minute and needed to be taken off. Manpreet too collided by accident with the ball hitting the again of his neck, however was again on his toes quickly.

The competition was fairly clear with three inexperienced playing cards – one for England and two for India – not like the group stage recreation on the Birmingham Commonwealth Video games which led to a grimy draw with a number of yellow playing cards handed out.

There was drama on the finish but once more as India survived a scare with 19 seconds left when England earned their eighth and closing PC. Bandurak flicked it to his proper however Surender Kumar saved with a block on the road.