By LAKSHY DREAM FOUNDATION GLOBAL NEWS Web Desk: Akashdeep Singh scored a brace as India defeated Wales 4-2 in their Pool D encounter on Thursday in Bhubaneshwar.
Shamsher and Harmanpreet Singh were also on the scoresheet for India as they withstood an onslaught from the Welsh side in the third quarter. But the win wasn't enough as India will now go into the crossover stage to book a place in the quarterfinals.
India were under pressure as England defeated Spain 4-0 earlier in the day to go top of Pool D. The hosts started the game on the up and Mandeep got a shot away in the first minute after a quick start, but the Wales goalkeeper was up to the task. The pressure was consistent from the Indian team but Wales were up to the task.
Nilkanta Sharma got a shot away in the ninth minute but it was once again saved by Reynolds-Cotterrill.
India got their first PC in the 17th minute but Harmanpreet's shot lacked power and it was easily cleared. Five minutes later, India took the lead through Shamsher, who capitalized on a loose clearance from Wales from an Indian PC. The youngster made no mistake with his shot and gave the hosts the lead.
The third quarter began on the right note for India in the 32nd minute as Akashdeep Singh doubled the lead. The India midfielder played a one-two with Mandeep before finishing the move off.
India were still on the ascendency but their penalty corner conversion was well off the mark. Against the run of play, Wales pulled one back from a PC through Gareth Furlong in the 42nd minute.
And then minutes later, Draper changed the whole complexion of the game as another PC helped them make it 2-2. The initial shot was saved by Sreejesh but Draper capitalized and put it past the Indian goalkeeper.
India started the fourth quarter on the right note as Akashdeep made a brilliant run into the box and scored in the 46th minute to make it 3-2.
The hosts were again pushing for the fourth goal and thought they had it when Abhishek's shot made its way into the net. But it had hit a Welsh defender and it was deemed as dangerous play.
Wales were pushing for the equalizer as the game entered the final five minutes but the Indian defence kept the score at 3-2.
Wales had gone down to 10 men and had taken off their goalkeeper as India got a PC. This time, Harmanpreet made no mistake and scored in the 59th minute to make it 4-2 and win the game for India.
The hosts will now enter the crossover stage to book a place in the quarterfinals.
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