India kicked off the 2018 Hockey World Cup 2018 by defeating South Africa 5-0 in the opening Pool C clash at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Attacker Mandeep Singh opened an early account for India. Akashdeep Singh and Lalit Upadhyay scored one goal each.
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Simranjeet Singh stood out with his spectacular goals in the 43rd and 46th minute on the match.
46′ GOAL! Simranjeet strikes again as he feeds off the rebound to finish past the South African GK.
IND 5-0 RSA#IndiaKaGame #HWC2018 #DilHockey #INDvRSA pic.twitter.com/mMRGf0eNN7
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) November 28, 2018
The defenders also did a commendable in keeping the opposition in check. The strong front put up by the host just shows how determined they are and should not be taken lightly.
Belgium equals India in Pool C after winning 2-1 against Canada. Both the teams now have three-points each and will face each other in their second match on December 2.