The Indian men’s team will face arch-rivals Pakistan in a crucial Pool D encounter of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in Amstelveen, the Netherlands, today, with both teams battling for a place in the next round.
India, currently on three points from two matches, need at least a draw to secure qualification. The team began its campaign with a 3-1 victory over Wales before suffering a 2-4 defeat to world No. 3 England. Pakistan, on the other hand, have just one point after two games. England have already booked their place in the next round after winning both of their Pool D matches.
Indian Women’s team produced a dominant 6-1 victory against South Africa in their second group-stage match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen yesterday evening. The victory surpassed India’s previous biggest World Cup win, a 4-1 triumph over Spain in the inaugural 1974 edition. With this win, India climbed to the top of Pool D with four points from two matches. China’s 4-2 victory over England means India need only a draw against England in their final pool match to secure qualification. India will face England in their concluding Pool D fixture tomorrow.
