Harmanpreet brace powers India to 3-1 win over Wales in World Cup opener

The build-up to India’s FIH World Cup campaign had been clouded by controversies and underwhelming performances in the FIH Pro League. But at the Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen, Harmanpreet Singh and his men showed they were ready to look ahead.The Indian men’s hockey team celebrated Independence Day with a convincing 3-1 victory over Wales in their campaign opener on Saturday. Sanjay and Harmanpreet, with a brace, put their names on the scoresheet. It was a clinical performance, with India remaining calm under pressure and largely precise with their penalty-corner conversions.All three goals came from penalty corners, with India earning five of them on the day.It was somewhat odd to see the usual Men in Blue turn up in saffron, but much like the bright colour, the Indian team lit up the blue turf with a performance that will give them plenty of confidence. There were lessons too, particularly the need to convert their circle penetrations into field goals.Wales began with a bang, with Jack Pritchard forcing a save from goalkeeper Suraj Karkera in the third minute. India did not have to wait long for their first penalty corner. With their top drag-flicker Harmanpreet off the field, Sanjay stepped up and slotted home in the eighth minute, finding the gap to the right of goalkeeper Toby Reynolds-Cotterill.Harmanpreet doubled India’s advantage in the 11th minute, using deception on his drag-flick to beat Reynolds-Cotterill.India had a scare when Shilanand Lakra took a blow to his upper lip that required sutures, but the striker returned to the field. As India continued to mount pressure, Wales tried to hit on the counter but struggled to create clear opportunities. India went into the break with a 2-0 lead and continued to build on it after the change of ends.Harmanpreet completed his brace in the 43rd minute with a powerful flick, putting India firmly in control.Wales eventually breached India’s defence when Sam Welsh scored in a goalmouth melee, with Mohith scrambling to keep the ball away.Result: India 3 (Sanjay 8, Harmanpreet Singh 11, 43) bt Wales (Sam Welsh 54)