India lose 2-4 to England. (Pic credit: Hockey India)
NEW DELHI: India’s long wait for a World Cup victory over England continued on Monday as the higher-ranked European side produced a dominant second-half display to beat Harmanpreet Singh ’s side 4-2 in their second Pool D match of the men’s Hockey World Cup.
India had fought back brilliantly after falling behind in the opening quarter, with Harmanpreet and Dilpreet Singh scoring in the second quarter to put India 2-1 ahead at half-time. Despite enjoying 51 per cent possession and registering 11 shots on goal to England’s 10, India once again found the finishing difference decisive. Hooper launched a long aerial forward, Rushmere controlled it superbly and found Bandurak, who hammered the ball past Mohith.
But England turned the contest around after the break, scoring three times to leave India staring at a crucial final pool match against Pakistan. Nicholas Bandurak opened the scoring in the 14th minute after England caught India on the counter-attack. India responded strongly in the second quarter. Harmanpreet levelled from a penalty corner in the 17th minute with a trademark drag-flick that flew into the top corner. Dilpreet then completed the turnaround in the 25th minute, tapping home after Hardik and Abhishek combined brilliantly down the left. England then effectively sealed the contest in the 55th minute when Bandurak scored his second of the evening from a penalty corner. The forward unleashed a powerful strike straight down the middle, giving India goalkeeper Suraj no chance. England simply made better use of their opportunities, particularly after half-time.