The Indian hockey team defeated Pakistan in the group stage to enter the semi-final round by 4-0 on Wednesday, 9 August 2023. The Indian hockey team also finished as the pool toppers after the final game of the pool stage.
The Indian hockey captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to lead the team towards the big tree while the other two goals were scored from penalty corners.
After the final match of the pool stage, both the teams had contrasting opinions. While the Indian hockey team were elated, the Pakistan hockey team coach claimed that the umpiring decisions were biased and the umpires missed giving Pakistan a deserving goal.
Craig Fulton on the Indian hockey team’s victory
“That’s what we have video referrals for — it [the first Pakistan goal that was disallowed] came off the body but some goals umpires cannot disallow. They played well, we defended well and we got the goals that counted at the right time. We had a game plan and we were structured. The objective was to score early and we did it and then it was really difficult for them — the more they pushed up, the more we dictated the game… it was a fair result,” said Craig Fulton.
Asked about Saqlain claiming that India did not have a structure and played only on penalty corners and fitness, captain Harmanpreet Singh was poker-faced. “If we are winning without having any structure, then it’s a good lesson from them, we will keep it in mind and improve our structure even more and perform better,” he added.
About his own role, he was more modest. “It’s my responsibility [to convert PCs] and you have the right to ask questions. It’s not just about me, everyone’s efforts are involved — the forwards create chances, then there is the pusher and the stopper and then the flicker comes into the picture. And our team effort was good. You want to keep doing your best, whether it comes off or not. During matches also mistakes happen but you need to forget them and move forward,” he concluded.
