India faces Poland in a must win match to qualify for quarterfinals of Junior Hockey World Cup

Indian Junior Hockey team’s hopes of qualifying for the Junior Hockey World Cup quarterfinal dangle lose as they face Poland in their last Group B match on Saturday. India came into the tournament as the hot favorites. However, a hard-fought loss against France in their first match that ended at 5-4 stunned their hopes of making it to the next round as the table toppers.

They have bounced back in the tournament after defeating a depleted looing Canada team. Although to guarantee their qualification, they will be required to defeat Poland if they are to qualify for the next round. France, who earlier beat India, also won in their second game against Poland and look like the favorite to qualify for the next round as the table toppers.

Graham Reid, the Indian team coach who led the senior side to a historic Bronze Medal win in Tokyo Olympics commenting on the situation, said, “It is a learning experience for the boys. Every match is one experience. That’s what I have always been telling the senior player as well,” reports PTI.

The finishing has been the nemesis of the Indian team in this tournament. They managed to create several chances in the past two matches but could not capitalize on them as they would have liked. Sanjay Kumar, the vice-captain, has been in great form with six goals to his name. He has already scored two consecutive hattricks in 2 games and will be their go-to man against Poland.