While the 2-2 draw against South Korea would have given some satisfactory moments to the team, India’s newly appointed chief coach Paul van Ass feels the result could have been better after it drew South Korea 2-2 in the opening day of the 24th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in Ipoh, Malaysia.

“Korea is one place above us in world ranking. After today’s match, I am satisfied with the manner of play but not the result. India is being looked as a medal contender for the Rio Olympics. Keeping it in mind, I think we should have been able to stop the second goal and score two more goals as well, since we had a chance,” Paul van Ass said in the post-match presentation ceremony.

“The match is a positive sign and the players played by heart which is good. I am happy since I wouldn’t have liked had we lost.”

When asked on how the team had changed since he took control of the team three weeks ago, he said he made minimal changes but has tried to play on the team’s strengths.

“In the first two quarter, we had better possession, we were tactically better. That is precisely how I had wanted them to play. Of course, there is more pressure in the dying moments, but that is where we have to improve.”

India will be playing their second match tomorrow against the New Zealand, who won their first match 4-2 against hosts Malaysia on Sunday.