Mandeep's creativity, suspensions and more takeaways from India's stalemate against England

The two teams failed to score in the game despite playing one of the best games of the tournament so far.

After an enthralling game of hockey, the match between hosts India and England ended in a draw in the Men's Hockey World Cup 2023. Neither team capitalised on their chances. England could have sealed all three points and booked the first spot in Pool D had Nick Bandurak converted the last penalty corner which hit the post. Overall both teams played good hockey and a draw, in the end, seemed to be a fair result.

Manpreet Singh switching roles as first rusher

Manpreet Singh, the former Indian captain, played the role of first-rusher in the penalty corner situation to perfection. India conceded four PC’s one after another in the first quarter, but Manpreet Singh was quick enough to evade the threat every time, taking the advantage of slow injections and covering the angles.

Manpreet capitalised on the inefficiency of English drag flickers who were taking additional time to hit the ball. Apart from defending, Manpreet was active in midfield and attack and overall had a good game. He is currently the fourth-most cap player in the Indian team. Manpreet finished the game with the most blocks of all the players who took part.

Hardik Singh continuing good form in the midfield

Hardik Singh was the one to watch out for after an excellent game in the opening encounter. The midfielder played his role to perfection creating ample chances in the attacking third and also dribbling past the defenders with ease. After being overrun by the midfielders from England in the first quarter, India No. 8 decided to take matters into his hands. He finished the game with three circle penetrations and four shots on target, the most of any player involved in the game.

The 24-year-old was unfortunately injured in the last quarter and could not take further part in the match. Graham Reid will hope the youngster once again plays a vital role in the match against Wales with goal difference playing a major role in deciding the table-topper in Pool D.

Mandeep Singh's creativity key in circle

Mandeep Singh was instrumental in creating the first penalty corner opportunity going past the English defence with ease. The no-look shot in the second half almost converted into a goal but the goalkeeper was sharp enough not to concede. Apart from creating the PC, Mandeep was an important outlet for the team and a ball carrier. He forced seven circle penetrations, at least two more than anyone involved.

Mandeep put the ball past the goalkeeper once but denied it as the ball hit the legs of Abhishek Singh first then Mandeep latches on to it. He was the second-highest goal scorer for India in the 2022 season and is yet to open an account in the Hockey World Cup.

Suspensions in last quarter

India in two group matches played have received only one card (suspension) in the first three quarters - Akashdeep receiving a green in the 28th minute against Spain. But the final quarter is an area of concern.

In their opening match against Spain, Abhishek was shown a yellow card for blocking resulting in a ten-minute suspension meaning the player had to sit out for the majority of the quarter. The hosts were fortunate not to concede a goal. In the match against England, India received two cards but the suspension, in this case, was for a short duration (Amit Rohidas green in the 51st min and Jarmanpreet Singh green in the 56th min). Although India did not concede any goal during any of the four players served the suspensions, it can hurt them going forward.

Penalty Corners still a worry

The hosts concede eight penalty corners and luckily none of them was converted by the English drag flickers. Nick Bandurack’s last PC hit the post when only 19 sec were remaining on the clock. Of the eight PCs that English won in the game, they won four in the first quarter itself (the first seven minutes to be specific).

Harmanpreet for the second consecutive game couldn't score a goal through PC with Graham Reid trying out Amit Rohidas as well. On a positive note, India has not conceded a single goal in the last two matches giving defenders more confidence while the attackers need to latch onto the chances and need to be quick from the start of the first quarter.