C’Wealth Games: India faces English test tonight in hockey

By Mihir Vasavda | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA

It’s barely been 24 hours since the Indian hockey team registered one of its most famous results — Sunday’s 7-4 win over Pakistan — but the celebrations will be put on hold as another stern test awaits them.

Jose Brasa’s boys have to re-group, focus and brace themselves for the clash against England in the semifinal of the Commonwealth Games on Tuesday.

Brasa has made it abundantly clear that his team cannot afford to let complacency set in and repeat the mistakes they committed after beating Pakistan 4-1 in the World Cup earlier this year.

It will also be an opportunity to avenge the 2-3 defeat they suffered at the hands of the same opposition in the World Cup.

A win would also ensure they book their maiden berth in the gold medal match since hockey’s introduction in the 1998 Kuala Lumpur Games.

“It is different against Pakistan. Both sides play a very open game. So, goals come by easily. Against European countries, it is quite difficult because they are technically more sound. We have to stick to our strategy and break them down,” said coach Harendra Singh.

Defence, again, will be the key for India. While the focus was on India’s attack against Pakistan, the back-line had some worrying moments.

They conceded a couple of soft goals, but they had the cushion of a big margin of goal difference. However, Indians will have to plug the chinks in their armour lest the fit and strongly built English side will waste no time in taking advantage of defence lapses.

England were unbeaten in the group stage, registering comfortable wins over their opponents, barring a hiccup against Canada, where they were held 1-1.

But they won’t have it easy. The Englishmen will have to counter a vociferous hostile crowd, which will scream its heart out to support the home team as was evident in the match against Pakistan.