India posted its biggest world cup victory –8-0 — today against the Asian Games champions Japan at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in the 9th to 16th place play off. For the team that failed in its quest to enter the quarterfinal, and thus made the hockey loving nation sad, by losing the cross over to New Zealand, this comes as both relief and consolation. The goal fest must have satiated the full stands the Rourkela saw today.

India in fact made two landmarks today. Firstly, today’s Japan match marked its 100th match in its chequered world cup history. significantly, India chose the occasion to record its biggest victory, bettering the previous 7-0 against Ghana way back in 1975. India won its only World Cup title then.

India started the day’s proceedings very well, but goals were not coming till the half time. However, their fortune smiled when Mandeep Singh deflected a Harmanpreet’s drag off a penalty corner in the 33rd minute. Then there was no stopping the Indian juggernaut.

Mandeep Singh’s goal changed the complexion of the game once for all. Goals came with regular interval as the Japanese agility and fitness were put to test by fast moving Indian midfield. The forwardline that was misfiring in the first half, despite creating chances aplenty, found its rhythm. Its worthwhile to remember here that India is one of the four countries who have not missed a single world cup edition.

Incidentally, India posted the same 8-0 margin win against Japan in the pool match of the last Asian games, which the losing team went on to claim a week later. 

India’s high scorer in the annals of World Cup

7-0 over Ghana in 1975

7-2 over USSR in 1981-82

6-2 over Poland in 1998

Today

Abhishek, who was declared as Best Player, and Harmanpreet Singh scored a brace while Mandeep, Manpreet, Vivek and Sukhjeet struck apiece each.