The Harmanpreet Singh-led India seemed all but out of the semi-finals race of the Men’s Hockey World Cup after suffering a 1-3 defeat, but Argentina threw a major lifeline. India remain in contention for a last-four spot after Argentina registered a 3-1 victory over England, and hence the race has finally come down to the final day of the Group E matches. With England remaining on three points for now, India have a mathematical route into the last four, although it involves a strong win and another favourable result.
The battle for the second spot is now between England, Argentina and India, with the final round of Pool E matches scheduled for August 24. The Netherlands and England will meet on August 24 at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen. The Netherlands have already secured their semi-final place after taking their tally to six points. For starters, India cannot afford anything other than a win against Argentina. A draw or defeat would eliminate India from the semi-final race. A victory would take India to three points, level with Argentina and England. However, given the current goal difference, a narrow victory would not necessarily be enough to send India through. India’s other requirement is for the already-qualified Netherlands to defeat England in the final Pool E match. The match will take place after the fixture between India and Argentina. If England win or draw, they will finish on at least four points and India cannot catch them. A Netherlands victory would leave England on three points and potentially bring all three of India, England and Argentina level on three points, provided India defeat Argentina. That is where the goal calculations become crucial.
