Dainik Nation News Portal
A clinical India demolished a hapless Pakistan 7-1 to register their third consecutive victory and seal a place in the quarter-finals of the Hockey World League Semi-Final, in London on Sunday. While their cricketing counter parts lost their finals in the other part of the city, Indian hockey team topped their group to reach the quarter finals.
Dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh (13th minute, 33rd), Talwinder Singh (21st, 24th), Akashdeep Singh (47th, 59th) and Pradeep Mor (49th) scored for India at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, while Pakistan’s consolation goal came from the stick of Muhammad Umar Bhutta (57th).
India are atop Pool B with three wins from as many games, just ahead of The Netherlands, who are placed second. Pakistan, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the pool after losing all three matches they have played so far.
India will next play The Netherlands on Tuesday, while Pakistan will face Scotland on Monday.
Contrary to the result, it was Pakistan who made a bright start but their domination lasted only the first 10 minutes. Pakistan had the first shot at the goal when they earned a penalty corner but the effort sailed over the bar.
As the match progressed, India started to control the proceedings with Pakistan playing a catch-up game. Harmanpreet gave India the lead in the 13th minute, converting a penalty corner with a low grounded flick.
