Hockey World Cup: India missed Hardik in game against Wales says Akashdeep

India were far from being impressive in their 4-2 win over Wales in their final FIH Men's Hockey World Cup pool game and twin goal scorer Akashdeep Singh said the home team felt the absence of injured midfielder Hardik Singh.

Hardik, who sustained a hamstring injury and missed the Wales match, is uncertain for the remainder of the tournament.

India needed to beat Wales by a margin of eight goals against Wales on Thursday to top Pool D and qualify directly for the quarterfinals. But they failed to do so and will now face New Zealand in their crossover match on Sunday to make it to the last eight stage.

"We could not score too many goals in the first two quarters, we scored only one. But we were able to score three more in the third and final quarters. I was able to contribute for the team, so I am very happy," said the 28-year-old Akashdeep, who has played for more than 200 senior international matches.

"We could not make it to the quarterfinals directly but we hope to be there by .