After facing a shocking defeat in the quarter-final crossover match, today Indian Hockey team will be taking on Japan in the 9-12 classification match.
Form of India
India’s form remains a point of significant concern as even after leading the match against Kiwi, India appeared clueless in the final quarter and collapsed under pressure in the Penalty Shootout. Indian defense also seemed to be fragile during penalty corners. The worrying form of captain Harmanpreet Singh in penalties has also added to the woes of coach Graham Reid, who is under fire for the recent performances of the team.
Is India missing Hardik?
After the injury to Hardik Singh the ace Indian midfielder Indian midfield has failed to link up the defense and the attack. With creative play missing from the attack, it has made the Indian team appear blunt in front of the resolute defense.
It will be key to see if Pr Sreejesh has recovered from the injury he suffered during the penalty shoot-out.
Form of Japan
The good news for the Indian defense will be Japan’s trouble finding the net in the tournament. Japan’s attack scored the least number of goals in the tournament (2 goals ). Japan head coach Akira Takahashi, who coached the team in those wins, admitted he wasn’t expecting to face India. While he aims for a victory, Takahashi hopes to use the stage to prepare for the upcoming Asian Games and the Paris Olympics next year. ‘Big surprise [playing against India]. I didn’t want us to play India. It will be a good experience for our young players to be playing in front of many people,” he said.
What has been the history of India vs Japan in hockey?
India has been heading the head-to-head record with India having 26 wins in the previous 29 fixtures. But India has been given a reality check twice by Japan in the Asian Champion trophy and Asian games.
This will surely keep the Japan team more motivated to create another upset in the world cup.
What is to be observed in the match?
Fans will be keenly following the match as the Indian team will be under immense pressure to deliver in front of a packed audience.
The Indian team had no scheduled pre-match conference and the coach also refused to entertain any media questions.
India will be definitely hoping to have the form back of Indian Captain Harmanpreet Singh and the strikers as the match is predicted to be a low score due to the form of ongoing teams.
Indian Vice Captain Amit Rohitdas carrying mountains of expectations from the local crowd has also seemed vulnerable with the ball. Indian defense which was looking spirited since the match against England has suddenly faded away in the last two matches.
If Indian time finds its old mojo it should be an easy game for India, Japan has already lost all three matches in the league. Team India will also be motivated to give the fans who have been coming out in large numbers to support the team a good return gift.
Where will the match be played?
The match is going to be played at the Birsa Munda Hockey stadium at Rourkela which is also the world’s biggest hockey stadium .The match will start at 7:00 pm in the evening and fans track it online in Disney+ Hotstar.
