Rourkela — England coach Paul Revington called it a ‘thrilling point’. Goalkeeper and player of the match Ollie Payne said he had a smile on his face throughout the 60 minutes. And captain David Ames admitted to a ‘career high’ moment playing to over 21,000 ‘screaming’ fans.
This was as good a 0-0 Men’s World Cup draw as you could get, certainly better than the scoreless 2018 final. After 24 goals in four previous matches between England and India, the fervent and raucous Rourkela locals were left to savour a game to remember without the fireworks and smoke to signal goals. For a £1 ticket, this was some value.
Instead, this crucial Pool game offered up plenty of attacking verve, superb defence from both teams, nerve-jangling circle moments and fine PC running which scuppered 12 corner chances. At this rate, FIH chiefs will not need to tinker with the penalty corner rule.
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Another point: Over the decades, a reason for frequent changing of the rules was to see more goals scored. High scoring matches need not enhance spectator or TV appeal. A goalless draw like this one could also thrill. A more flowing game with end to end action should be the focus of rule changes, which has largely been achieved in the last 13 years or so after the introduction of the self pass.
This was the most exciting 0-0 draw I have witnessed.