Bhubaneswar.Dec.11 : As the Odisha Hockey World Cup is reaching knockout phases, the excitement has reached sky-high. Belgium will face Pakistan is first cross-over. Netherlands and Canada will fight for second cross-over.
In 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup, 3rd ranked Belgium meets 13th ranked Pakistan in first cross-over.
Pakistan men’s hockey team has faced problems like cash crunch and their coach quitting. Pakistani forwards are not firing and on the other hand, Belgium’s attackers are enjoying a great run of form. Even if we compare the head-to-head results since 2013, The Red Lions have been superior and won all 3 of the matches the two clashed in.
Belgium hockey team will be eager to claw their way to the quarterfinals and are likely to win the match if all goes according to plan. Pakistanis will be looking to defy all odds and make it to the quarters.
Netherlands hockey team will be squaring off against Canada in the 4th and final crossover match. The winner will get to play hosts India in the quarterfinals. Both the Dutch and the Canadians have had fairly contrasting campaigns in the World Cup.
Canada finished at 3rd place in Pool C after losing 2 and drawing 1 of their 3 matches. The Netherlands was the highest ranked team in Pool D with an FIH ranking of 4.
The first cross-over is set to start at 4.45 pm. The second match will start at 7 pm. All matches will be held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.
Prasanta Patnaik