Harmanpreet Singh's brace powers India to 3-1 win over Wales in World Cup opener

NEW DELHI: India made a confident start to their FIH Hockey World Cup campaign, defeating Wales 3-1 in their opening Pool D match at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen on Saturday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh led from the front with a brace, scoring in the 11th and 43rd minutes, while Sanjay opened the scoring in the eighth minute as the former champions established control early in the contest.India's dominance was reflected in their ability to make their penalty corners count. Sanjay converted India's second penalty corner in the eighth minute with a powerful drag-flick to break the deadlock. Just three minutes later, Harmanpreet produced another quality drag-flick from a set-piece to double India's advantage.As it happened: India vs Wales, FIH World CupThe two goals gave India a strong platform and allowed them to dictate the tempo for much of the opening quarter. Wales struggled to create clear opportunities as India maintained pressure and repeatedly threatened to enter the attacking circle. The first 15 minutes ended with India comfortably ahead 2-0.The second quarter was considerably quieter, with neither side managing to create a clear-cut scoring opportunity. Wales did make one promising move into the Indian circle, but their effort struck the side of the goal. India earned a penalty corner early in the quarter but could not convert it, while a late attempt from the top of the Wales circle in the 30th minute went just wide.India therefore went into the half-time break with their two-goal advantage intact.Harmanpreet adds another as India tighten gripThe third quarter began with India continuing to control possession and territory, although Wales showed greater urgency in their attempts to get back into the contest. The Welsh side made a couple of promising entries into the Indian circle from the left flank but failed to create a decisive chance.India eventually found their first clear opportunity of the quarter in the 43rd minute, and Harmanpreet made no mistake. India earned a penalty corner after a prolonged spell without one, and the captain stepped up to fire home his second goal of the match.The strike completed Harmanpreet's brace and extended India's lead to 3-0. It was another demonstration of the captain's drag-flick quality and gave India a commanding advantage heading into the final quarter.Wales were now faced with the difficult task of scoring three times in the final 15 minutes to rescue the match. India, meanwhile, were content to manage the game and protect their advantage.Wales pull one back after lengthy reviewWales finally found a breakthrough in the 56th minute after a chaotic passage inside the Indian goalmouth. The referee dropped his whistle and, while attempting to retrieve it, missed part of the action. The incident prompted a lengthy review before the third umpire intervened.After the deliberation, Wales' goal was allowed to stand, with Sam Welsh getting his name on the scoresheet as Wales reduced the deficit to 1-3. The goal gave the Welsh side some late hope, but India remained in control and saw out the remaining minutes without allowing their opponents to mount a serious comeback.The victory gives India a winning start to their World Cup campaign and all three points from their opening pool match. Harmanpreet's brace will be particularly encouraging for the former champions, who are targeting a deep run in the tournament.India will next face England in their second Pool D match on Monday, August 17. The contest is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM IST, with India looking to build on their impressive opening performance.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.

Indexed and credited by AIPROPX. Originating outlet: The Times of India. Open at source →