CWG 2022 hockey: India seal semifinal berth: The Indian men’s hockey team have sealed their semifinal berth in men’s hockey at CWG after beating Wales 4-1 on Thursday. Harmanpreet Singh proved to be the star of the contest with the ace-drag flicker scoring a hat-trick in the last group match. With this win, India lie top of the group to confirm their qualification for the medal round matches. Follow CWG 2022 Birmingham updates with InsideSport.IN
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It is important to note that England are yet to play their last game, but Manpreet Singh and co way better position to top the group. At present, India have a goal difference of 22 while England have 8.
Coming into the match, India started as favourites. But the first quarter did not result in any goals. For a start, they were closely challenged by Wales, who were also desperate to pick up an upset win.
However, they needed their ace drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh to stand up. The defender was at his menacing best in the second quarter, scoring two goals in quick succession from the penalty corner to help India take a 2-0 lead. With it, Harmanpreet showed why he is regarded as one of the best drag-flickers in the world.
At the half-time break, they were leading 2-0, but India knew that two-goals cushion counts for nothing in hockey. They managed to score the all-important third goal as Harmanpreet completed his hat-trick. It was also his ninth goal of the CWG.
One Spirit, One Team, One Win! 💙
IND 4:1 WAL#IndiaKaGame #HockeyIndia #B2022 #Birmingham2022 @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/lyJuiy9i5r
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 4, 2022
After some impressive hockey in the fourth quarter, India took a 4-0 lead with Gurjrant Singh deflecting the ball in. However, England took their feet off the gas in the final quarter after the fourth goal, and Wales threatened to score.
In fact, they scored a late consolation goal with Furlong converting a penalty corner. They got a couple of chances after that too, but India held firm to keep the score line at 4-1.
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