Hockey World Cup 2023: Will India get quarter tickets? Harmanpreeta are favorites against Wales today
The 15,000-seater Kalinga Stadium gallery will roar for India. But in the meantime, there is only one worry. Hardik Singh injured.
Bhubaneswar: After playing the first two matches of the group stage in Rourkela, Team India is returning to Bhubaneswar (India vs Wales). Bhubaneswar's Kalinga Stadium today hosts India vs Wales in the Hockey World Cup. Last match of Pool D. India have won one and drawn one of the previous two matches. India will have to beat Wales by a big margin to make it to the quarter finals. Wales made their debut in the Hockey World Cup. So the blue jersey holders are undoubtedly the favorites for Thursday's match against Wales (Hockey World Cup 2023). There is a huge gap between the two teams in terms of benching, experience, expectations, support - everything. The 15,000-seater Kalinga Stadium gallery will roar for India. But in the meantime, there is only one worry. Hardik Singh injured. Details in this report of Next World Cup.
India's defense has performed well against tough opposition so far in the tournament. Will not be complacent from that result and will want to maintain consistency against Wales. The Indian forward line of Shamsher Singh, Abhishek, Sukhjit Singh and Mandeep Singh will look for opportunities. It won't be easy though. Failure to convert penalty corners into goals is a concern for the Indians. Attacking midfielder Hardik Singh's injury has worried India. However, the MRI report says that the injury is not serious. Some relief in that case. Despite this, the in-form Hardik will not be able to play against Wales. Hardik, who was injured against England, can enter the field from the quarter-final match. Of course only if India qualify for the quarter finals.
Apart from a win in their own match, if Spain beats England in any other Pool D match then it will be a big advantage for India. Spain will jump to second place in Pool-D. Then India will not have to keep in mind the goal difference. Kellafat only wins the match against Wales. Spain won one match in the tournament. However, a youthful and confident side is ready to give England a tough challenge. India are second in Pool-D, ahead of England. 4 points for both teams. English lead on goal difference. If England lose against Spain on Thursday, India can take on Wales without worry. But if England win India will have to win against Wales by a big margin. Which team will get quarter tickets will be determined by goal difference.
