Hockey WC: India, England share points after riveting contest

India played a goalless draw against England to take home one point each in a crucial Pool D, Hockey World Cup match at the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela on Sunday. In an exhilarating contest, both teams failed to convert their respective penalty corners as India failed to make use of four in the match. The English team managed to create eight penalty corners but the hosts stood tall to deny them a goal. The Indian team looked to take an early lead against England in the crucial game and hit the blocks running from the word go as they penetrated the English circle in the opening minutes. India captain Harmanpreet Singh who had an off day in the previous game looked in spectacular touch. He was impressive on the field with his interceptions and tackles in the opening minutes, putting pressure on the opposition. The Indian defence line had lapses on the field and moments where the English team were able to make runs into the hosts’ circle, conceding a total of five penalty corners (PCs) in a span of a few minutes. However, PR Sreejesh stood tall and made sure that India maintained a clean sheet. The hosts were also able to get a PC in the 13th minute of the first quarter, thanks to a brilliant run by Mandeep Singh into the opponent’s circle. Hardik Singh injected the ball into the circle while taking the PC, but Harmanpreet could not gather the ball cleanly as India missed the opportunity to take the lead. England were close to scoring in the dying minutes of the first quarter but defender Amit Rohidas averted the English team from scoring as the first quarter ended goalless. The second quarter started with the English team on the attack. They secured yet another PC only to be denied a goal as the Indian defence stood tall and showed great grit. India were dominated by England for the most part of the second quarter as they made 17 circle penetrations till the end of the first half. They also managed to get seven PCs compared