Commonwealth Games: India Beat Wales 4-1 in hockey to book a semifinal spot; What are their chances of a medal?

Within the regulation time, Harmanpreet Singh scored in the 18th, 19th and 41st minutes and Gurjant Singh in the 49th minute scored for India, while Gareth Furlong in the 55th minute was the lone goalscorer for Wales.

The match had a cagey start, with both squads playing cautiously. India maintained control of the ball in the midfield. Wales also attempted to break into the Indian half of the field to test the Indian defence.

Mandeep Singh made an excellent charge into the circle but failed to break past the defensive line of Wales. The British nation launched a counterattack as James Carson took an on-target shot. However, Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was able to clear the ball comfortably. The first quarter ended without any goals scored.

Wales hunted for a goal to narrow the deficit as Rupert Shipperley broke into the circle, but he failed to convert. The first half ended with a 2-0 lead for India.

India started the second half aggressively and won an early penalty corner. Harmanpreet Singh took a powerful shot, but Wales midfielder Rupert Shipperley intercepted the ball at the right time.

Jarmanpreet Singh and Akashdeep Singh created a fantastic opportunity for India, but the pass to Gurjant Singh went wide. India won another penalty corner in the 41st minute. Harmanpreet Singh converted with a powerful penalty corner flick to complete his hat-trick.

Wales calmed their nerves as they hunted for an equalizer in the final quarter but failed to break past the Indian defensive line. Indian regained control as Gurjant Singh scored in the 49th minute to extend India’s lead to 4-0.

Wales was able to score a consolation goal in the 55th minute as Gareth Furlong converted from a penalty corner to ensure that India does not walk away with a clean sheet.

India will continue their Commonwealth Games hockey campaign in the semifinal clash on August 6.

What are their chances of a medal?

The Indian men’s hockey squad is aiming to dethrone Australia as the unbeaten hockey champions at the Commonwealth Games. India’s best performance at the Commonwealth Games came with a silver medal finish in 2010 and 2014.

Australia holds the top spot on the FIH world hockey rankings and is the favourite to win the gold this year. However, the Indian squad is at the top of its form, having finished the 24-year-long Olympic medal drought at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The Indian team is much more confident since winning the bronze medal at the Tokyo Olympics and can potentially spring up a surprise to create history by ending the dominance of Australia at the Commonwealth Games.