Halappa hand in Indian domination

Mahmood Fathi and Walid found the consolation goals for Egypt. In another Group A tie, Germany swamped Belgium 8-1, after leading 2-1 at half-time. Captain Max Landshut scored two goals while his team pumped in four in the last 10 minutes.

In Pool B, South Korea routed England 6-0 half-time 2-0. Forwards Hong Kwang Jian, Jung Sion Lee and Zion Jin Jung scored two goals each.

Poland rallied well from a 1-2 first half deficit to overcome Scotland 3-2 in the other Group B encounter.

Indian coach C R Kumar said he was 8220;very happy8221; at the victory over Egypt, but felt India8217;s deep defence needed improvement. 8220;They deep defenders were committing mistakes and a lot of unforced errors,8221; Kumar said.

In the India-Egypt match, Karnataka-based Halappa found two of his goals through strokes.

Centre forward Inderjit Singh drew first blood in the 18th minute through a field goal and India stretched the lead in the 24th and 31st minutes through field efforts by Gursewak Singh and Halappa.

With a minute left for half-time, Egypt pulled one back when Fathi converted a penalty corner and the African side made it 2-3 with another penalty corner goal by Waled three minutes after resumption.

But Halappa slotted in a 40th minute penalty stroke to help India consolidate the lead 4-2 before India struck four more goals at regular intervals to completely hold sway over their rivals in the final stages. India play Belgium tomorrow.