Brasa satisfied with showing

Y.B. Sarangi

NEW DELHI: India coach Jose Brasa was satisfied that the team kept its emotions under control to register a thumping 4-1 win over Pakistan and start its campaign in the Hero Honda World Cup on a positive note.

Brasa said the side jelled well and deserved to celebrate the win. “We played very well in the first half, we created a lot of chances. In the second half, we lost a little bit of control,” he said.

Brasa played down the emotional part of the highly charged-up match. “We should not forget that it was just a match and we got three points. That is important. It was a normal match. We have to keep our feet on the ground and continue to play well,” he said.

“I am happy that the players were not emotional,” he added.

The Spaniard said good mid-field play and solid marking were the key factors in keeping Pakistan subdued. He denied that fielding young goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh ahead of the experienced Adrian D’Souza was part of any strategy.

Brasa showered praise on Sandeep Singh for his effective drag-flicks and Dhananjay Mahadik for his impressive work in the deep defence.

India captain Rajpal Singh said the aim was to create more penalty corners and bank on Sandeep.

Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan appreciated India’s effort.

“India was better than us,” he said.

He said drag-flicker Sohail Abbas was unlucky to miss a few goals.

After England’s stunning victory over Australia, Ashley Jackson, who scored the first goal for England, said his team was boosted by the support of the vociferous Indian crowd.

“The crowd support behind a team is a great experience,” he said.

Jackson said being pushed hard by Australia would help his team in coming matches.

Australian skipper Jamie Dwyer took the defeat in a sporting manner.

“We have two days before the match against India, that will give us time to prepare well,” he said.