By virtue of leading Pool D, England got direct entry into the quarterfinals, while India will play New Zealand on January 22 in a cross-over match and the winner will progress into the quarterfinals.
Commenting on the importance of playing group games before the knockouts, former India chief coach Harendra Singh told Sportskeeda:
India had the herculean task of scoring a big win against Wales in their last Pool D match. However, the hosts could only manage a 4-2 win over Wales to settle for second place at the end of the group games.
India have so far given a good account of themselves in their group-stage matches. The Indian team, led by ace dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh, will certainly have the home advantage of playing in front of a packed Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. But the chances of New Zealand can’t be ruled out.
India’s chief coach Graham Reid’s goal for the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup was to win a quarterfinal berth during group-stage matches. Despite excellent planning, the execution, however, was slightly off target.
Penalty corner will be another area that Reid will look to polish before Sunday’s crossover match. The Indian chief coach is also aware of the fact that the quarterfinals are a crucial stage of the World Cup competition.
Host India won their opening match against the Spanish team 2-0, but played a goalless draw with England. India’s star forward Hardik Singh, who strained his hamstring against England and had to sit out during the Wales match, should be back in the team for the New Zealand game on Sunday.
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