India survived a flurry of attacks in the first half and could not finalize their dominance against England as their second league match of the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 was held to a goalless draw at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium. sunday. both India and England They started their campaign by winning their opening matches against Spain and Wales.
Hence, their encounter on Sunday was expected to be a battle for the top spot in Pool D and the first half of the game proved that the expectations were right as a half of hockey unfolded in front of a packed crowd in Rourkela, with none There was no team. Giving an edge, and neither receiving one.
Despite several penalty corners and opportunities for both teams, the attacks were not finalized as the teams went into the break on level footing. England got five penalty corners in the first quarter but could not capitalize on any. India had only one PC in this period.
India looked to hit the ground running in the second quarter, earning three penalty corners compared to England’s two.
Pool D has started taking shape. This is where the teams stand at the end of Day 3.#hockeyindia #IndiaKaGame #HWC2023 #StarsBecomeLegends #ENGvsIND @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @media_sai @england hockey @rfe_hockey @hockey wells pic.twitter.com/TV8aotx5J0– Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 15, 2023
The second half saw the fifth-placed hosts dominate possession with midfielder Hardik Singh dominating the field in sixth place but once again finding no finishing touches in the circle.
Mandeep Singh fired the ball in the back of the goal at the end of the third quarter, but the whistle had already blown for a foul before the goal could be scored. Phil Roper was at the receiving end of a long pass which left him close to the keeper to beat, but his attempt to lift the ball over goalkeeper PR Sreejesh went just wide and India heaved a sigh of relief.
The final scoreline remained 0-0, but a major concern for India would be the health of standout Hardik Singh, who appeared to be sidelined with a groin injury towards the end of the game.
English keeper Oliver Payne was awarded player of the match and said: “Overall we had a good game but a bit disappointed we didn’t take advantage of the chances we got today. It was a game we could have won, But it’s a hard-earned point and we’ll take it.”
Both India and England have four points from two matches. India will now travel to Bhubaneswar for their third league match against Wales, while England will take on Spain in their third match, having three points from two matches.