Now Reading: Harmanpreet warns of silly mistakes despite win over Pakistan
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Harmanpreet warns of silly mistakes despite win over Pakistan
India beat Pakistan 5-3 in the FIH Hockey World Cup in Brussels on Wednesday, securing a place in the second round as Pool D runners-up behind England. Captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice from penalty corners, taking his tournament tally to five goals, while striker Abhishek Nain added a brace from field play.
Despite the win, Harmanpreet warned that India cannot afford defensive lapses. India has conceded eight goals in three matches, the third-worst defensive record in the tournament. "If you make a mistake in the back, it won't be safe," he said. Head coach Craig Fulton said he was happy with the team's game plan and balance between set-piece and field goals.
Pakistan's Sufiyan Khan admitted his side made costly errors. India is likely to face co-host Netherlands in the second round. Harmanpreet stressed the need to tighten defence and avoid "silly mistakes" in possession in the attacking half.
Indian Opinion Analysis
India's 5-3 win over Pakistan in the Hockey World Cup is uniformly reported as a solid victory that masks defensive concerns. Sportstar leads with the coach's satisfaction and the captain's penalty corner form, while NDTV's two versions focus on Harmanpreet's warning about 'silly mistakes' and the decade-long unbeaten run. Both outlets agree on the core facts: eight goals conceded in three games, third-worst defensive record. The middle-ground read: India's attack works, but the defence is a genuine worry ahead of Netherlands. Watch how India's backline holds in the second round.
Coverage: 3 sources, 3 neutral
Sources (3): sportstar.thehindu.com (neutral report), sports.ndtv.com (neutral report), sports.ndtv.com (2) (neutral report)
This story was synthesised by AI from the 3 sources linked above. Methodology and corrections.
Updated: this story now draws on 3 sources.
