Hockey World Cup 2018, India vs South Africa: 5 Talking Points 

India registered a thumping 5-0 victory over South Africa
India registered a thumping 5-0 victory over South Africa

#3 Clueless South African defence

Mandeep Singh scored the opening goal for India
Mandeep Singh scored the opening goal for India

One of the key features about the match was the clueless South African defence, that were left at their wits' ends throughout the match.

While Canada at least made enough efforts to save themselves a shameful drubbing at the hands of Belgium, it wasn't the case at all with South Africa. They suffered back to back goals in the very first quarter, and this was the assault that they could never recover from.

The only time South Africa had a serious chance of making a comeback was in the second quarter, when they denied India a chance to extend their lead. It wasn't until almost the end of the third quarter that India finally managed to break free from the grasp of the South African midfielders.

Even the three penalty corners that South Africa received failed to find the Indian goalpost as the strikers failed to convert. By the time the game had ended, South Africa had only a blank goal sheet for themselves.

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