“We fought very well tonight.” That line from coach Graham Reid summed up the temper within the Indian camp as he spoke to journalists about what went proper, and improper in India’s thrilling, albeit goalless, draw towards England on Monday.

When requested about Hardik Singh, although, his expression modified. “I have to check, but it’s not looking good.” Hardik, India’s most vital midfielder, was chasing the ball in midfield late within the fourth quarter when he fell down holding his hamstring. A physio was referred to as and he was carried off. That was a second the place the manic tempo of the sport appeared to take a pause — for a second, in the course of all that pressure, there was a sudden feeling of shock within the Indian camp; nearly like they’d nearly conceded a final second aim. Later on the press convention, Reid would say that the damage may not be as dangerous because it appeared initially when he got here off the pitch, however the air of fear remained.

To give perspective, Hardik has a novel skillset throughout the Indian squad — nobody can transfer the ball ahead on the dribble fairly like he can. His incessant working prompted main issues for England, because it had for Spain in India’s first match. There’s a purpose why he made the lower for each

If the damage is critical, The doubt over his damage however, this was a match which had a whole lot of positives — for each groups.

How India withstood England’s strain

Before the match, it was felt that India must be at their greatest defensively towards a rampaging England. As anticipated, Paul Revington’s England staff got here out flying within the first half. They gained 5 penalty corners within the first quarter to India’s only one.

They threatened to interrupt the impasse in these moments and would’ve if not for some heroic blocking by the likes of Manpreet Singh, Harmanpreet Singh and Amit Rohidas. Manpreet particularly deserved credit score for the way in which he defended these highly effective hits in fast succession. He was off like a sprinter off the blocks, learn the angle effectively and blocked the pictures. Fed up along with his blocking, England tried a variation of their fifth penalty nook, however even then Manpreet discovered a solution to get his follow the ball.

At the tip of second quarter, Nilam Sanjeep Xess pulled off a shocking diving sort out to take the ball off Liam Ansell, as he bore down on aim. Reid had talked about sustaining consistency and this India staff actually did that on this match.

As the match progressed into the final quarter, India created higher. Mandeep Singh particularly was a livewire contained in the circle, each time he received the ball, it appeared India would rating. His actions and stick work trigger all kinds of issues for England. The incontrovertible fact that Oliver Payne, the English goalkeeper, was named man of the match stood as testomony to the strain India had utilized on his aim.

Even then, although, England might’ve snatched the win within the ultimate minute with Nicholas Bandurak hitting the submit from a penalty nook.

England retains the gang silent

In a packed stadium, England managed to maintain a crowd of 20,000 plus silent for almost all of the match.

When coach Revington was requested about speaking along with his gamers within the half-time discuss, he instructed the broadcasters that it wasn’t an issue as a result of his staff did the job effectively to subdue the gang.

Especially within the first half, the overwhelming emotion contained in the stadium was pressure, similar to what it appeared like throughout the staff. The occasional noise was a cheer when India did particularly effectively in defence. While it most likely reveals how engrossing the match was, India’s gamers may need wished them to elevate the environment a bit to create some form of disturbance to England’s play.

“The nature of both the teams are pretty level and it was a real international game that one,” stated Remington after the match and it confirmed within the scoreline, and within the performances.

India will now head to Bhubaneswar to play Wales, who misplaced each their matches in Pool D. If they beat Wales with a wholesome goal-margin, India can end on high, contemplating England face a troublesome outing towards Spain of their ultimate match.