Paris Olympics 2024 Hockey Qualification Scenario: India qualify for Quarter-Finals, Can India finish in Top Two?

The Indian men's hockey team has given themselves a massive boost after their latest Pool B result in the Olympics 2024.

Harmanpreet Singh and co. secured a 2-0 victory over Ireland on Tuesday (July 30) to momentarily propel to the top of Pool B. A brace from captain fantastic Harmanpreet sealed the victory for the men in blue.

It was set-piece wizardry which decoupled the Irish defence. In the 11th minute, a penalty stroke was converted by Harmanpreet to give Indian the lead. The Indian captain then scored from a penalty corner in the 19th minute, rifling one shot into the top corner. Ireland came back strongly in the 2nd half but lacked the cutting edge. Despite getting chances, the Irish failed to bulge the net and goalkeeper PR Sreejesh also made a couple of decent saves to keep India's lead preserved.

After this win, India will be confident going into their final two pool matches. The Indian team will face Belgium and Australia in their final two encounters, which will be crucial in the race for the quarter-finals.

Paris Olympics 2024: Men's Hockey Pool B Points Table

Team	PL	W	D	L	GD	PTS
India	3	2	1	0	+3	7
Belgium	2	2	0	0	+3	6
Australia	2	2	0	0	+2	6
Argentina	3	1	1	1	+1	4
New Zealand	3	0	0	3	-4	0
Ireland	3	0	0	3	-5	0

** Top Four teams will advance to the Quarter-finals.

Olympics 2024 Hockey Qualification Scenario: Has India Qualified for Quarter-Finals?

With the top four teams advancing to the quarterfinals, India has now sealed themselves a berth in the knockouts. As Argentina beat New Zealand 2-0, the Indian team have now advanced to the quarter-finals.

Where will India finish in their Pool?

India win last two matches

India have two matches against Belgium and Australia. Two wins in the last two matches will ensure their top spot in Pool B, thus giving a favourable draw in the quarterfinals.

India win one, lose one match

If India lose either of the remaining matches, or drop points in both of them - they will still advance to the next round as one of the top three teams. If the Indian team win over Belgium and Belgium lose to Australia, then the men in blue can claim either of the top two spots.

If India lose two matches

If India fall to defeat in their next two matches and Argentina get four points from their last two, India will qualify as the 4th placed team. If India managed a victory in their last two matches, they are almost assured of a top-three finish.

Why does India need to finish in the Top Two?

India will be hoping to get to that position so that they get either the 3rd or 4th placed team of Pool A in the quarter-finals. The Indian team will definitely be keen to avoid the No. 1 ranked team Netherlands, who are currently top in the Pool A points table.