India secures second place in Pool D after 5-3 victory over Pakistan
India’s Victory and Defensive Concerns
India secured a 5-3 victory over Pakistan in their final Pool D match of the FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 in Amstelveen on Wednesday. This win allowed India to finish second in their pool, keeping their hopes of reaching the semi-finals alive. Captain Harmanpreet Singh, who scored twice from penalty corners, acknowledged that despite the crucial win, the team exhibited defensive lapses that need to be addressed.
India initially established a 3-0 lead, but Pakistan mounted a comeback, narrowing the deficit to 3-1 and then 4-2, before scoring again in the final quarter. Harmanpreet Singh emphasised the importance of eliminating these defensive errors, stating, “Missing a few chances upfront is okay but we cannot afford any mistakes at the back.” He highlighted the need for the team to value possession, particularly after winning the ball in advanced areas, and to avoid making “silly mistakes.”
The captain also noted a recurring issue: a slow start to the third quarter, a problem that had been discussed prior to the match. Despite these concerns, Harmanpreet Singh expressed satisfaction with several aspects of India’s performance, including their attacking intent, circle entries, ball possession, and the opportunities created. He stated that the team’s passing was “up to the mark” and that he was “very happy with the performance.”
Match Highlights and Player Performances
India’s attacking prowess was evident throughout the match. Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek each scored two goals, while Hardik Singh added another from a penalty stroke. Pakistan’s goals came from a brace by Hannan Shahid and a penalty-corner strike by Sufiyan Khan.
India started strongly, taking an early lead in the fifth minute. After sustained pressure, a ricochet off Abhishek’s reverse effort led to a penalty corner. Harmanpreet Singh’s initial drag-flick hit a rusher’s foot, resulting in a retake. He converted the second attempt, sending a powerful flick past goalkeeper Ali Raza to put India ahead 1-0. Another penalty corner followed in the sixth minute, but Harmanpreet’s low effort was saved.
The lead was doubled in the 11th minute when Harmanpreet’s aerial pass found Abhishek, who entered the circle and attempted a pass. The ball deflected off Pakistan defenders, wrong-footing the goalkeeper and making the score 2-0. A subsequent penalty corner two minutes later was blocked by Pakistan’s defence.
The second quarter saw four goals, adding to the thrilling nature of the match. India extended their lead in the 21st minute. Following a penalty corner earned by Shilanand Lakra, Harmanpreet Singh opted for a variation. After a save, he collected the rebound and fired it home to make it 3-0.
Pakistan responded quickly in the 22nd minute after Vivek Sagar Prasad was dispossessed. Hannan Shahid scored from a loose ball after a save by the Indian goalkeeper. India restored their three-goal cushion just two minutes later when Abhishek scored from a tight angle. However, Pakistan again responded swiftly, with Sufiyan Khan converting a penalty corner to reduce the deficit to 4-2. Pakistan then had a strong attacking spell, but Sumit made a crucial defensive intervention.
In the 35th minute, India regained their three-goal advantage after Aditya was pushed inside the circle, leading to a penalty stroke. Hardik Singh confidently converted, making the score 5-2. Pakistan continued to seek opportunities, but India’s defence largely contained their attacks. Hannan Shahid scored his second goal in the 46th minute following an error in India’s midfield, bringing the score to 5-3.
Coaches’ and Players’ Reactions
Head coach Craig Fulton expressed satisfaction with India’s ability to adhere to their game plan despite the high intensity of the India-Pakistan contest. He stated, “It was a big game on a big occasion and everyone is trying their best. I am glad that we stuck to our plan. I am happy with the way the team played.”
Abhishek, who contributed two goals, affirmed that the team remained calm despite Pakistan’s fightback. He noted, “There was no nervousness. We played as per our plan and succeeded. We knew that we cannot afford to be relaxed at any moment.”
Pakistan’s Sufiyan Khan acknowledged that his team’s mistakes proved costly. He commented, “We made many mistakes and we have to work hard. India is a very good team and hopefully we will learn from this and come back stronger in the Asian Games next month.”
The victory ensures that India finished second in Pool D with six points from three matches, behind England, who topped the group with nine points. Pakistan’s campaign in this phase concluded with the defeat, while India will now prepare for the next round, where the competition is expected to be significantly tougher. England advanced as pool winners, while Pakistan and Wales moved into the classification phase.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com
