Forwards fail to click; injury adds to India’s woes

India will have plenty of worries from the game today against Japan. Although they defeated Japan 3-1 but more than that India’s concern is their forward line is failing to make an impact.

Coach Nobbs, conceded unhesitatingly that we should have scored at least 4-5 goals more.

“That’s the difference between a young forward line and an experienced German side. The way Akashdeep missed those chances that doesn’t happen in the top-notch matches,” quoted Nobbs.

Japanese put up a fine performance and their coach Kang Keon Wook was very pleased that his young lads did just what he had asked them to do. However, he knew that on the penalty corner front India is superior and that is where India won the game.

India’s forward line hasn’t been the best in the last game and looks like the pressure of international matches is showing up on the young forwards like Akashdeep, Nithin, Sommanna, etc. Slightly experienced, Chandi and Chinglensana are faring poorly with their finishes as well.

Nobbs, however, reasons that this is because the defense is keeping with the ball with themselves for very long, “Our forwards are not getting much chance because defense is holding on to the ball. That’s good in a way and you can observe, it’s because of the strict defense, Japan didn’t even have one shot at the goal. But then, this is not our style of play, we need to work on this.”

If their young forwards are failing to make an impact, adding to India’s worries are injuries to their prime star forwards — SV Sunil and Dharamvir. Sunil twisted his ankle and had to be taken out of the field on a stretcher. Dharamvir was pushed from the back by a Japanese player and he has severe pain in his shoulder. As the team buses left for the team hotel, the two were taken for x-ray.

This was one of the fears for Nobbs, “You are playing on an old turf. It’s like playing on a very old rubber which has worn out. Injuries are bound to happen.”

Today’s game also marks frustration for senior players like Sardara Singh. An otherwise jovial person, Sardara wasn’t very keen on discussing about the game. It’s conspicuous that he knows that something is wrong with India. After the previous game, Sardara thanked God for this victory and in the game today it looked like God smiled at India only for a brief while.

Tomorrow is a rest day in the tournament. India take on the minnows Oman on Sunday at 1930 (IST). Oman have already surprised Pakistan on the opening day with their heartening performance.