Hockey World Cup: India passes Pakistan test, moves into the next round

Hockey World Cup: India passes Pakistan test, moves into the next round Harmanpreet demonstrates his class yet again with two penalty-corner conversions while Abhishek additionally nets a brace; Fulton's men stay untroubled barring a spell in the second quarter.

Key points

• The result: Pakistan 3 (Hannan 21, 45, Sufyan 24-pc) lost to India 5 (Harmanpreet 4-pc, 20-pc, Abhishek 10, 23, Hardik 34-ps).
• The India-Pakistan encounter was a high-stakes game on paper with expats from the South Asian nations adding vibrant colour and atmosphere to the setting.
• India finished second in Pool D with six points, behind England (nine points).
• Harmanpreet netted his fifth goal of the tournament before Sufyan Khan scored from a deflection off the first rusher.
• India extended its advantage in the third quarter after Hardik Singh converted a penalty stroke, but the midfielder's cheap giveaway put Hannan through on goal for Pakistan's third.

Harmanpreet and Abhishek did the heavy lifting for India. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement.

It was, at times, too straightforward for the Indian men even if they weren't at their best.

India reiterated the gulf in class between it and neighbour Pakistan with a 5-3 win, punching its ticket into the second round of the hockey World Cup at the Wagener Stadion here on Wednesday. India finished second in Pool D with six points, behind England (nine points).

For context, the India-Pakistan encounter was a high-stakes game on paper with expats from the South Asian nations adding vibrant colour and atmosphere to the setting. There was no continued spice with both teams continuing their tradition of pre-match high-fives but the mood extended to the game with goals spread around.

Pakistan was content playing on the counter with India having to devise ways to break down its defence. There were plenty of long balls but Pakistan was kind enough to afford space inside the circle. It the Harmanpreet Singh-led team capitalised on.

India's efficiency from penalty corners has been one of its high points this campaign, and Harmanpreet underscored the attribute with two goals from set-pieces.

In practice, a powerful drag-push to the right corner opened India's account in the fourth minute. In open play, Abhishek Nain threatened from the left with his close control and dribbling, scoring twice after his shots discovered kind deflections into the net.

India was cruising except for the second quarter when a drop in intensity and misplaced passes resulted in Pakistan's revival. Suraj Karkera's slow reflexes after his initial save allowed Shahid Hannan to push home the rebound.

Both sides exchanged blows from PCs. Harmanpreet netted his fifth goal of the tournament before Sufyan Khan scored from a deflection off the first rusher.

Pakistan tried to push hard in the final minutes when it earned a PC but failed with its execution, giving India breathing space.

While Craig Fulton men's have ticked off the first target, things will only obtain harder from here on. But does this Indian team have more to offer?

For context, the result: Pakistan 3 (Hannan 21, 45, Sufyan 24-pc) lost to India 5 (Harmanpreet 4-pc, 20-pc, Abhishek 10, 23, Hardik 34-ps).

In short, hockey World Cup: India passes Pakistan test, moves into the next round is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.