Did not let pressure get to us: Sandeep

New Delhi ,Feb. 28: As the packed Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium erupted in joy, the shoulders of the Pakistan hockey players drooped and their Indian counterparts began their victory lap.
The Men in Blue who outplayed the Pakistan’s in all departments looked relaxed after the match.

Coach Jose Brasa was a happy man. “The team combined well and created plenty of opportunities in the first half. We were a little tardy I the second half but our goalkeeper made up for it,” he said later.
The coach also said the team would keep its feet on the ground and focus on the next match.
Sandeep Singh, the star of the India’s victory with two goals said, “The team played very hard and we ensured that the pressure did not get to us. The home crowd was also a motivating factor.”

Speaking on his performance in his debut World Cup match, the 24-year-old said, “Every time I go onto the field I give my 100 per cent and the result is there for everyone to see.”

Skipper Rajpal Singh described the victory as a Holi gift for his countrymen. “This is our gift on Holi for the people of India, who came out in such large numbers to support us.”

Speaking about the team’s mainstay in the match, Rajpal said, “Our penalty corner conversion was our main weapon.

“Our game plan was to convert as many corners as we could and defend the ones they got. We played well as a unit and e hope to keep up this momentum in our next big match against Australia.”
Accepting that they were completely outplayed by the Indians, Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan said, “The Indian team played very well and deserved to win this match. Our forwardline did not click, while their defence was bang on.

“After the first half, it was very difficult for us to get back into the game. We did try, but it was a tough task.”

AGE CORRESPONDENT