Harmanpreet Singh’s double led India to a 3-1 victory over Wales in their opening match of the FIH World Cup
New Delhi: India made a confident start to their Hockey World Cup campaign, beating Wales 3-1 in their opening Group D match at the Wagner Hockey Arena in Amstelveen on Saturday. captain Harmanpreet Singh The team went ahead with a brace and scored in the 11th and 43rd minutes, while Sanjay opened the scoring in the eighth minute, giving the former champions early control of the match.India’s dominance was reflected in their ability to convert corner penalty kicks. Sanjay converted India’s second penalty kick in the eighth minute with a powerful shot to open the scoring. Just three minutes later, Harmanpreet produced another quality pass from a set-piece to double India’s lead.As it happened: India vs Wales, FIH World CupThe two goals gave India a strong platform and allowed them to control their tempo for most of the first quarter. Wales struggled to create clear opportunities in light of India’s continued pressure and repeated threats to enter the attacking circle. The first 15 minutes ended with India leading 2-0.The second quarter was quieter, as neither team was able to create a clear scoring opportunity. Wales made a promising move into the Indian circle, but his effort hit the side of the goal. India received a penalty kick at the beginning of the quarter but were unable to convert it, while a late attempt from the top of the Welsh circle in the 30th minute went wide of the goal.Therefore, India went into the end of the first half with a two-goal lead.
Harmanpreet adds another as India tightens its grip
The third quarter began with India continuing to dominate possession and territory, although Wales showed greater urgency in their attempts to get back into the contest. The Welsh side made a few promising entries into the Indian circle from the left flank but failed to create a decisive chance.India eventually found their first clear chance of the quarter in the 43rd minute, and Harmanpreet made no mistake. India were awarded a penalty after a long period of no penalty, and the skipper stepped up to score his second goal of the match.The strike completed Harmanpreet’s double and extended India’s lead to 3-0. It was further evidence of the captain’s quality of action and gave India a huge advantage heading into the final quarter.Wales now faced the difficult task of scoring three goals in the last 15 minutes to save the game. Meanwhile, India was content to manage the match and protect its interest.
Wales backs down after lengthy review
Wales finally found a breakthrough in the 56th minute after a chaotic pass into the Indian goal. The referee blew his whistle, and while trying to retrieve it, he missed part of the play. The incident led to a lengthy review before the third official intervened.After deliberation, Wales’ goal was allowed to stand, with Sam Welsh getting his name on the scoresheet as Wales reduced the deficit to 1-3. The goal gave some hope to the Welsh team, but India remained in control and settled the remaining minutes without allowing their opponents to come back strongly.The win gives India a winning start to their World Cup campaign and take all three points from their opening pool match. Harmanpreet’s double will be particularly encouraging for the former champions, who are targeting a deep run in the tournament.India will next face England in their second Group D match on Monday, August 17. The competition is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm IST, with India looking to build on their impressive opening performance.
