BHUBANESWAR: 8-0. That was the magic figure India needed against Wales to earn a direct entry into the quarterfinals of the FIH World Cup. They achieved the target but a week later against another team in a match of little consequence.
At the Birsa Munda hockey stadium in Rourkela, a packed house roared in support of its home team and they did not disappoint in the 9-12 classification match against a hapless Japan. India started on an attacking mode but their failure to convert their chances dogged them. Japan did well to hold off India in the first two quarters and even made some unsuccessful forays into the striking circle. The first half ended goalless.
