Hockey World Cup 2023: England hold off India, the game ends in a draw

Prathamesh Basagare, Pune

India’s second game in the Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 against England ended in a draw. Team India, led by Harmanpreet Singh, took on the world number 6 England, led by David Ames. England put a halt to India’s quest to extend its winning streak.

On January 15, the Pool D game between India and England at the Birsa Munda Stadium resulted in a stalemate after a fierce battle. India failed to score despite having significant possession and scoring chances. England earned eight penalty corners to India’s four, but neither team converted their chances. The major nail-biting moment of the game was England’s penalty corner near the end of the fourth quarter, with only 19 seconds left on the clock.

Following the game, India’s coach Graham Reid said, “If this team performs well, we can do anything, even win the World Cup. The important thing is that we continue to play well, and that is the challenge.”

England currently top the Pool D table, with the host nation sitting at the second place, followed by Spain and Wales. India’s goal difference of 2 means that they sit below England who have a goal difference of 5. They have both played 2 games resulting in a win and a draw. India’s previous fixture, against Spain, on January 13th, ended 2-0, giving India a good start to their World Cup campaign. England, on the other hand, halted Team Blue’s winning streak by equalizing the game. 

India’s next world Cup match is against Wales on January 19th at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. England, on the other hand, will be playing Spain in the quarterfinals on the same day. The positive outcome of the upcoming match for Team Blue will pave the way for the quarterfinals.

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