The Indian hockey crew begin their FIH 2023 Males’s Hockey World Cup marketing campaign on Friday, 13 January, with a match towards Spain. The hosts may solely go so far as the quarter-final within the final version of the largest international hockey occasion. They misplaced to the eventual runners-up Netherlands within the last-eight match within the 2018 version.
Spain, alternatively, bought eradicated from the primary spherical itself, ending on the backside of their pool. This time round, they’ll face an Indian crew which is seeking to take ahead the legacy of successful the bronze medal on the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, their first Olympic medal since 1982.
Each groups confronted one another twice within the FIH Professional League final yr, on the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar. Spain gained the primary match 3-2 whereas the second recreation led to a 2-2 draw, earlier than India took the shootout 3-1.
Spain might have gotten the higher of the Indians of their FIH Professional League encounters, however with this being the hockey World Cup, the Indian crew will convey its A-game. It guarantees to be an thrilling match.
Whereas the general efficiency of the crew as an entire will resolve the result, some key gamers might need a big say within the contest. Trying forward on the contest, we’ll try three participant battles that shall be key in deciding who comes out on high in India’s hockey World Cup opener.
#1 Adrian Rafi vs Harmanpreet Singh
India have been over-reliant for scoring objectives on their penalty nook specialist Harmanpreet Singh. The sturdy defender can also be the captain and therefore, must ship once more for his crew. When he takes his place throughout a PC routine in India’s first hockey World Cup match, he shall be up towards Adrian Rafi, the Spanish goalkeeper.
Rafi is a really succesful goalkeeper. However he’s up towards one of many world’s finest drag-flickers in Harmanpreet. If the Spanish goalie is ready to hold the India skipper down within the scoring division, it could compound India’s issues. So, this contest shall be essential.
#2 Enrique Gonzalez vs Jarmanpreet Singh
Jarmanpreet Singh has emerged as certainly one of India’s most vital gamers within the post-Tokyo Olympics interval. The massive Sardar performs primarily as a defender however makes his presence felt all around the area.
Regardless of the place you might be, your help will at all times hold us within the recreation! 💙Watch us dwell on Star Sports activities First, Star Sports activities Choose 2HD, Star Sports activities Choose 2SD, and Disney+Hotstar. https://t.co/iNiM9WfdIP
Towards Spain, he should attempt to put a cease to the harmful runs that Spain’s Enrique Gonzalez can produce. The Spanish midfielder has the power to slice by means of the midfield at speedy tempo and open up the opposition’s defence.
Jarmanpreet, along with his agility and ability, should make sure that Gonzalez is stopped in his tracks earlier than he may inflict any injury.
#3 Krishan Pathak vs Marc Miralles
The continued version of the FIH Professional League has seen India’s Krishan Pathak, an understudy of PR Sreejesh for a very long time, come of age. His goalkeeping within the first few matches of the league has been distinctive and he could also be the popular choice for India within the upcoming Hockey World Cup.
His greatest take a look at, as is common for a goalkeeper, would come towards penalty corners. When the set-piece comes round, he’s more likely to be up towards Marc Miralles, the drag-flick specialist within the Spanish aspect.
If Pathak continues his good type on this hockey World Cup and manages to maintain the PC objectives all the way down to a minimal, India will achieve an enormous increase. With the expertise he possesses, Pathak can’t be underestimated.
