2 weeks ago
India and Pakistan Clash for World Cup Survival in Hockey
India and Pakistan are playing an important hockey match at the World Cup.
India has three points and needs at least a draw to move forward.
Pakistan has one point and needs to win.
England has already qualified from their group.
India beat Wales but lost to England.
Pakistan drew with Wales and lost to England.
India has not lost to Pakistan in hockey for ten years.
PR Sreejesh said Pakistan is not as strong as it used to be, but India’s players still expect a difficult match.
India must defend carefully and make the most of its scoring chances.
India need at least a draw against Pakistan to reach the next round.
Pakistan, with one point, must win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
India have been unbeaten against Pakistan for a decade and won their last two meetings.
India lost 2-4 to England after defensive lapses and late goals exposed weaknesses.
Former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh sees Pakistan as less formidable, but Manpreet Singh warned India not to underestimate them.
- Who
- The men’s hockey teams of India and Pakistan, with England also involved in Pool D.
- What
- India and Pakistan will play a decisive World Cup match, with qualification at stake.
- Where
- Amstelveen, the Netherlands.
- When
- Wednesday.
- Why
- India need at least a draw to progress, while Pakistan must win to keep its hopes alive.
India’s improving confidence
Caution against Pakistan
Pakistan’s current strength
India’s improving confidence
PR Sreejesh said matches against Pakistan are not as tough as they used to be and that the current Pakistani team is not at its former level.
Caution against Pakistan
Manpreet Singh said India are not underestimating Pakistan, whose players include dangerous drag-flickers, and warned that India must avoid conceding penalty corners.
India’s recent form
India’s improving confidence
India have enjoyed a decade-long unbeaten run against Pakistan and won their two most recent meetings.
Caution against Pakistan
India’s loss to England exposed defensive lapses and poor penalty-corner conversion, areas that must improve before facing Pakistan.
Key facts
- India’s position
- Three points from two matches.
- Pakistan’s position
- One point from two matches.
- Qualification requirement
- India need at least a draw; Pakistan must win.
- Group leader
- England have qualified after winning both matches.
- India’s results
- Beat Wales 3-1 and lost to England 2-4.
- Pakistan’s results
- Drew 3-3 with Wales and lost 1-4 to England.
- Recent rivalry record
- India have defeated Pakistan 7-1 and 4-3 in the European leg of the Pro League this year.
Quotes
Manpreet Singh
India men's hockey captain, 419 caps
““The match against Pakistan will be good, we are not underestimating them. They also have good drag‑flickers, so we will have to avoid giving them penalty corners. We must also create opportunities and capitalise on them. We must focus on our natural game.””
telegraphindia.com
““In the past, India versus Pakistan games were tight, often ending 1-0 or 2-1. Pakistan still have potential, but their current team’s level is not the same as before.””
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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