Captain Danish Mujtaba, though happy the way his team fought back in the match against Australia in the Azlan Shah opener, is in tune with his coach’s views, and felt there were valuable lessons for his team.
“A few areas the team has to work out
and two goals in quick time was the turning point,” he said after the match.
He was happy at the two other goals India struck through Rupinder.
Danish, evidently happy at the two scorching penalty corner
conversions of defender Rupinder Pal Singh, said these two goals mirrored our fight back spirit.
Australia was just a goal ahead till the half time, but struck a brace of goals within two minutes after lemon break. Danish, while considering this as the turning point, praised Rupinder Pal, who made 2 goals out of 2 penalty corners.
However, Australia coach was not happy with his team despite winning
Australian coach Ric Charlesworth said that the margin of his side’s
4-3 win over India does not really portray the Aussie grip over the
match.
“It should have been better than that. Our youngsters learnt a
hard lesson. You can never become complacent despite your lead and the
inexperience showed in gifting two soft goals to India”, said the
former Australian great.
“Penalty corners are critical and conceding those in tandem almost spelt doom for us,” said Charlesworth. “Both the penalty corners were doubtful and both were converted. These things happen.So one should never relax as mistakes like that can change the complexion of
the game,” he felt.
Not having their main stay Timothy Bates due to stomach cramps midway
through the first half did unsettle the composition of the Aussies.
Indian coach Michael Nobbs said he had enough reasons to be pleased at
the fightback coming back strongly to narrow the gap.
“The boys
played brilliant hockey. It is the youngest team here. We are building
a new team and it is baptism by fire for these youngsters. Considering
that 10 out of them will be playing the Junior World Cup for India
augurs well,” he said..