FIH Pro League 2022 LIVE: The Hockey FIH Pro League has reached the business end. With almost only the last round matches remaining for the teams, Belgium, Netherlands and India are in contention to win the coveted title as they are placed at the top three spots on the points. InsideSport.IN looks at what these three teams need to do to finish at the top spot – Follow FIH Hockey Pro League updates on InsideSport.IN
FIH Hockey Pro League 2022: India, Netherlands, Belgium in a 3-way battle to win the FIH Hockey Pro League title – Check Out
Defending champions Belgium and Netherlands are currently tied at the top of the points table as both the teams have 31 points each. However, Belgium find themselves in the first position as they enjoy a better goal difference. Meanwhile India have so far got 29 points on the board with two matches still left.
However, all these three teams have sealed the top three spots and are guaranteed a medal as the other teams below them do not have any chance of overtaking them.
What should the teams do to reach the top spot?
Belgium
The defending champions had yet another good tournament as they have won 9 out of 14 matches and even drew three games as they sit comfortably on the top of the table. They only have two matches left, which will be played against England on Saturday and Sunday.
England find themselves in the sixth position and Belgium will be the favourites against them in what will be the last leg matches for both the teams. One of the positives for Belgium is the form of striker Boon Tom who has scored 12 goals in just 11 matches in the league, and played a crucial role in the team’s fine run in this tournament.
The equation to finish on the top spot for Belgium is very simple. They have to win both their matches and will hope Netherlands won’t win more than 1 game out of their remaining fixtures.
Netherlands
Netherlands are in the drivers seat to win the title. Having already tied with Belgium with 31 points on the board, Netherlands still have 4 matches left in the league. Even if they manage to win 3 matches, they can replace Belgium and finish on top of the table.
The Dutch players have given a collective team work so far in the tournament. Bijen Koen, Brinkman Thierry and Warmerdam Dennis, they all lead the goal-scorers chart for their teams having scored 6 goals each.
The Dutch will now only hope to win atleast a game against a strong opponent in India in the upcoming weekend. They will then face seventh-placed Spain next week against whom they will be expected to win both the matches.
India
Compared with the other two teams, the Men in Blue have a tough chance to make it to the top spot. While a medal is guaranteed, the Men in blue still have only two matches left as they face Netherlands on Saturday and Sunday (18 & 19 June).
Even if they manage to win both the matches, they will finish with 35 points on the board. If Netherlands or Belgium win two matches, they can easily surpass India. So the Men in Blue will atleast have to try and seal the silver medal. For that they need to put on a good show against a strong Dutch team in the coming weekend.
FIH Hockey Pro League 2022: India, Netherlands, Belgium in a 3-way battle to win the FIH Hockey Pro League title – Check Out
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