Bhubaneswar: India face a tough ask in their final group league match against Wales at the Kalinga Stadium in a few minutes’ time.
In a direct fight with England for the lone direct quarterfinal berth from Pool D, India will have to beat Wales by a margin of 8 goals to bag top spot on better goal difference.
England ended their group campaign with a dominating 4-0 victory against Spain on Thursday to finish with 7 points and goal difference (GD) of +9.
India are expected to beat debutants Wales, but they have a goal difference of only +2.
A 7-goal victory margin will put India level with England on points and GD. It will then come down to field goals, and India will have to score 6 field goals to pip England.
An 8-goal victory margin will put India clear of England on GD.
While the group toppers will seal a last-8 berth today itself, the second-placed team will have to play New Zealand, the No. 3 in Pool C, in the Crossovers which is a virtual pre-quarterfinal.
