Indian hockey team has secured entry into quarter finals with two wins in first three matches, but it has two matches left in Pool B. On Thursday, it will face a strong challenge from Belgium. India won against New Zealand and Ireland while its match with Argentina was a draw. On the other hand, Belgium has managed to win all its three matches so far. Australia is in third place with three wins and one loss. Argentina has also reached the last-8 with four points from three matches. New Zealand and Ireland are out of the race with three consecutive losses. Top four teams from six-team pools will qualify for the quarter finals. After the match against Belgium, India will face Australia.
When the Indian team will face defending champion Belgium in this Pool B match, it will have to maintain consistency in performance. India defeated New Zealand 3-2 in the first match and then held 2016 champion Argentina to a draw with the help of a goal scored in the last minute. India won 2-0 against Ireland. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored decisive goals in the first two matches and then scored the first goal on a penalty stroke and the second goal on a penalty corner against Ireland.
Midfielders Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh, who are playing their fourth Olympics, also gave their best performance against Ireland and created many chances. Mandeep Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Gurjant Singh and Sukhjeet Singh also maintained the pressure. Right back Harmanpreet Singh, who is playing his first Olympics, has proved to be the discovery of this tournament and has performed very effectively so far. Indian team’s goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who lost 19 penalty corners in the first two matches, has to be praised for saving many goals. After Belgium, India has to play against Australia on Friday.
