India started off positively in their FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 and now must battle against complacency when they face Spain in their second Pool C match on Thursday.
Vice-captain Araijeet Singh Hundal came out to be India's saviour, scoring a hat-trick as India overcame some anxious moments to beat Korea 4-2 in their opener on Tuesday. But India's coach C R Kumar was not too satisfied with the performance and said his side needs to be more clinical and avoid conceding unnecessary penalty corners.
India conceded six penalty corners, while earned just two against Korea.
"We are very happy that we got the three points and that's the positive side. But we have to more clinical in both circles. We conceded two goals in penalty corners which we need to pay attention to," Kumar said after the Korea match. We gave away too many many penalty corners, six in the whole game where we had just two. We need to be more cautious."
India are striving to secure their fourth podium finish in the event after having won the tournament twice in 2001 (Hobart) and Lucknow (2016).
The country had clinched a silver medal way back in 1997 in Milton Keynes, England.
Skipper Uttam Singh and his deputy Hundal are the only two players of the big event having featured in the last edition of the tournament, where India finished fourth in Bhubaneswar, losing to France in the bronze medal play-off match.
The Spaniards, who have a bronze medal in their kitty at the 2005 edition in Rotterdam, are India's toughest opponent in the pool, comprising Canada as the other side.
But going by form, India will start as favourites against Spain on Thursday. India's last pool match is against Canada on Saturday.
Pool A consists of defending champions Argentina, Australia, Chile, and Malaysia, while Pool B has Egypt, France, Germany and South Africa. Pool D is the toughest of the lot as Belgium, Netherlands, New Zealand and Pakistan will be vying for a quarterfinal berth. The top two teams from each pool will qualify for the quarterfinals.
Here are the live streaming details for the FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023, India Vs Spain match:
When Is the India Vs Spain, FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 clash?
The India vs Spain, FIH Men's Junior Hockey World Cup 2023 clash is on December 7, 2023.
What time is the India Vs Spain, FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 clash?
The India Vs Spain, FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 clash will start at 5:30 PM, Indian Standard Time.
Where to watch the India Vs Spain, FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 clash?
The India Vs Spain, FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 clash will be telecast on the Sports 18 3 and Sports 18 1 HD TV channels in India.
Where to live stream the India Vs Spain, FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 clash?
The India Vs Spain, FIH Men's Hockey Junior World Cup 2023 clash can be streamed live on Jio Cinema app and website.
FIH Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup 2023: India squad
Goalkeepers: Mohith HS, Ranvijay Singh Yadav
Defenders: Sukhvinder, Amandeep Lakra, Rohit, Sunil JoJo, Amir Ali
Midfielders: Vishnukant Singh, Poovanna CB, Rajinder Singh, Amandeep, Aditya Singh
Forwards: Uttam Singh (captain), Aditya Lalage, Araijeet Singh Hundal (vice-captain), Sourabh Anand Kushwaha, Sudeep Chirmako, Boby Singh Dhami
Reserves: Yogember Rawat, Sunit Lakra
(With PTI inputs)
