There was some respite for India, just a few km from the Oval when a clinical India demolished a hapless Pakistan 7-1 to register their third consecutive victory and seal a place in the quarter finals of the Hockey World League semi-final, on Sunday.
It was a complete performance by the Indians who dominated their arch-rivals throughout the match to post a facile win and zoom to the top of Pool B ahead of The Netherlands. Drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh (13th minute, 33rd), Talwinder Singh (21st, 24th), Akashdeep Singh (47th, 59th) and Pradeep Mor (49th) scored for India at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre, while Pakistan's consolation goal came from the stick of Muhammad Umar Bhutta (57th).
The 7-1 win was also India's biggest over Pakistan, bettering the 7-4 effort against Pakistan in 2003 Champions Trophy and 2010 Commonwealth Games. India are atop Pool B with three wins from as many games, just ahead of The Netherlands, who are placed second. Pakistan, on the other hand, are at the bottom of the pool after losing all three matches they have played so far. India will next play The Netherlands on Tuesday, while Pakistan will face Scotland.
Contrary to the result, it was Pakistan who made a bright start but their domination lasted only the first 10 minutes.
Pakistan had the first shot at the goal when they earned a penalty corner but the effort sailed over the bar. As the match progressed, India started to control the proceedings with Pakistan playing a catch-up game. Harmanpreet gave India the lead in the 13th minute, converting a penalty corner with a low grounded flick. India secured another penalty corner four minutes into the second quarter but Harmanpreet's flick was saved by Amjad Ali in front of Pakistan goal. Talwinder doubled India's lead soon after combining well with Satbir Singh and SV Sunil. Minutes later, Talwinder scored his second goal of the day when he neatly lifted over Amjad a high ball from Satbir and India went into the breather with a 3-0 cushion.
Meanwhile, Argentina staged a brilliant fightback to hold England to a 3-3 draw. England led 2-0 at the break through goals from Mark Gleghorne and Sam Ward and immediately tripled their lead through Barry Middleton on resumption. However, Gonzalo Peillat converted two penalty corners and Matias Paredes struck a field goal to claw their way back.
