London: India thrashed Pakistan 6-1 in a 5th to 8th place classification match of the Hockey World League Semi-Final here on Saturday.
Goals by Ramandeep Singh (8th minute, 28th), Talwinder Singh (25th), Mandeep Singh (27th, 59th), and Harmanpreet Singh (36th) helped India decimate Pakistan and set up a clash with Canada in the 5th to 6th pace play-off. Ajaz Ahmad scored for Pakistan on 41 minutes.
It was India’s second win over Pakistan in the tournament, after their 7-1 victory in a Pool B match.
The heavy loss dented Pakistan’s hopes of booking a berth for the Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar next year.
India displayed attacking intent from the very beginning, attempting their first shot on goal in the opening minute itself.
Ramandeep set it up for an unmarked Akashdeep Singh inside the circle, but he failed to put the ball past Pakistan goalkeeper Amjad Ali.
Mandeep helped India win their first penalty corner in the sixth minute but Harmanpreet’s flick was blocked.
India intensified pressure, interrupting Pakistan’s attempted counter attacks, with a three-man defence. The strategy worked, with Pakistan losing possession.
Satbir Singh, playing his 50th international match, was alert to spot Ramandeep in the circle, who seized the opportunity to put India ahead.
The goal opened the floodgates, enabling India to extend their lead to a comfortable 4-0 margin in the second quarter.
Pardeep Mor’s accurate pass to Talwinder allowed the latter to skilfully deflect the ball into the net for India’s second.
Akashdeep dribbled past defenders at the baseline to put the ball towards goal, where Mandeep poked the ball in.
The goal rush continued with Ramandeep’s diving effort, his second goal of the match.
Harmanpreet’s deepened Pakistan’s woes, converting a penalty corner with a drag-flick, to make it 5-0.
Pakistan reduced the margin when Ahmad capitalised on a defensive error and made desperate attempts to score in the final quarter.
But India ensured there were no late hiccups. Mandeep finalised the scoreline with a strike off a rebound.
