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.
India went ahead in the 32nd minute when Mandeep Singh scored off Amit Rohidas' penalty corner flick. The goal unnerved the Japanese side and India cashed in on their errors. Abhishek, who accounted for a brace in the contest, doubled the lead three minutes later, finding the back of the net off a pass from Vivek Sagar Prasad.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh arrested his penalty corner woes by converting two of them. The home team converted five of the 19 penalty corners they earned. India will take on South Africa on Saturday in their final classification match.
