Hockey World Cup 2018 highlights: India beat South Africa 5-0; Belgium win

In the opening match of the Hockey World Cup 2018, Belgium beat Canada 2-1, while hosts India humbled South Africa 5-0

The opening day of FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018 will see two Pool C encounters. In the first match of the day, World number 3 Belgium will take on Canada, while hosts India will lock horns with rainbow nation South Africa at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneshwar. Belgium won silver at the Rio Olympics by finishing behind Argentina, while the Canadians ended up second from the bottom by virtue of a single point earned via a 2-2 draw against Indian. Brazil had no points whatsoever at Rio Olympics.
 
Hockey World Cup 2018, Day 1, Match 2: India vs South Africa

India are expected to face an uphill battle playing in front of the home crowd that will turn up in large numbers to watch the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup 2018. Despite being the most successful team in Olympic hockey with eight golds, India have won the World Cup only once, way back in 1975. Hosts India will start their campaign against South Africa at 1900 IST. India last played South Africa at the 2014 Commonwealth Game and thrashed them 5-2. In Hockey World Cup 2018, India’s attack will depend upon the tweaks brought by head coach Harendra Singh as he brought in striker Aksahdeep Singh from Junior national team.
 
There will be another opening ceremony before the start of the first match. Bollywood star Salman Khan is expected to perform live. 

9:40 PM

9:40 PM

8:35 PM

India beat South Africa 5-0

8:29 PM

India review for stick block

8:29 PM

India gets free hit

8:27 PM

8:26 PM

India in a very comfortable position. 

8:21 PM

Shreejesh saves. South Africa still searching for their first goal of the tournament. 

8:19 PM

Very powerful shot on the goal. barely misses the net.

8:17 PM

Indian defence playing at its best. Claring the ball and Mandeep on the forward line ready to take it ahead. 

8:15 PM

India gains another penalty corner. This time missed it.

8:14 PM

8:12 PM

Lalit enters the circle with beautiful stick work and gains a penalty corner and Simranjeet scores. 5-0

8:10 PM

8:08 PM

Lalit scores for India. What a beautiful delicate toucha and the ball finds the net.