What actions does India need to take to qualify for the quarterfinals of the Hockey World Cup?

India will play their final group game of the Men's Hockey World Cup on Thursday against Wales at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.

The home side is assured of progressing to at least the crossover stage of the competition, with four points from the opening two games guaranteeing them at least third place in Pool D.

But Graham Reid's side will be looking to finish at the top, meaning they go straight into the quarter-finals while enjoying a few more days' rests before the last-eight clash.

India is currently second in the table behind England on goal difference. On Thursday, England takes on Spain before India plays Wales, so the hosts will know exactly what they would need to do to reach the top.

If India wins Pool D

If India manages to win the pool, their quarter-final clash would be against the winners of the crossover between the second-placed team in Group B and the third-placed team in Group A.
On Monday, France defeated South Africa, making it likely for them to finish third in Group A. As for the runners-up in Group B, it has yet to be decided after Belgium and Germany had a draw on Tuesday. Germany currently holds the second spot due to the goal difference. They should rank better than France, Germany, or Belgium. In that case, India's quarter-final opponent would be either Belgium or Germany.
Without any problems, Australia should reach the semi-finals in this part of the draw and would await the winner of India's quarter-final clash.

If India finish second in Pool D

In that case, India would have to play a crossover tie on January 22 against the third-placed team in Group C, which is likely to be Malaysia.
Should India win this crossover match, they would face the winners of Group B – which is likely to be Belgium or Germany – in the quarter-finals. A potential semi-final will be against the winners of the match between the players from Group C (likely the Netherlands) and the winner of the crossover between the runners-up from Group A (potentially Argentina) and the third-placed team in Group B (likely South Korea).
For India to finish third in Group D, Spain would have to draw or beat England, while the hosts lost to Wales in their last group game.

If these results happen, then India will face the runner-up from Group C (probably New Zealand) in a crossover, before a quarter-final showdown against the winners of Group A, which should be Australia.

In conclusion, India will be looking to finish top of Group D as it is their best route to avoid a quarter-final encounter against one of the tournament's two favorites - Australia and Belgium - while also getting a six-day break to recharge before the knockout stages. .

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