The Hague (Netherlands): India registered their first points in the men’s Hockey World Cup, holding Spain 1-1 in their Pool A game here on Thursday.
With both Australia and England registering convincing wins earlier in the day, and edging closer to the semifinals berths, both India and Spain needed full three points desperately. But the day’s draw means they are out of contention and will now play in the classification matches.
Spain, who had a draw and a loss in their first two games, were the more dominant and enjoyed greater ball possession. India though were sharp in counter attacks and kept the Spanish defenders busy.
Rupinderpal Singh put India ahead in the 28th minute, striker Mandeep Singh was tripped inside the striking circle resulting in a penalty stroke while Spain managed to equalise six minutes later through Roc Oliva, who scored off a penalty corner. Finishing touches eluded both teams as the second half saw plenty of goal-bound moves, but none of them could move the scoreboard.
Said India defender V.R. Raghunath, “It was a close game and could have gone either way. In the end, in we will take our first points. We want to perform well in our remaining two matches and are aiming to play a higher classification match.”
Meanwhile, defending champions Australia stayed on course for the semifinals with an assertive 3-1 victory over European Cup silver medallists Belgium.
Australia’s third successive victory gives them nine points and keeps them on top of Group ‘A’ standings, followed by England on seven points from three outings after their 2-0 win over Malaysia.
Belgium, having won their previous two matches, stay in the running with six points from three games. Australia took a two-goal lead at the start with goals from Chris Cirello (seventh minute) and Jacob Whetton (ninth minute).
Eddi Ockenden increased the lead in the first minute of the second session, but Belgium pulled one back in the 46th minute through Sebastian Dockier.
Playing tactical hockey, England overcame a strong challenge from Malaysia. England enjoyed an edge from the moment Mark Gleghorne put them ahead in the fourth minute with a field goal. Malaysia pushed them hard, forced three penalty corners and a number of other scoring chances, but failed to secure the equaliser.
