India takes on Belgium today
Barring Sydney World Cup, Indians have not opened their last five World Cups with a success. This trend might change today if the Sardar Singh led Indian team would scale up its performance today, as it takes on Belgium in the big Kycenora stadium.
The way Belgium has been doing on the European circuit, with the induction of Marc Lammers as its chief coach, offers a whiff of fresh air in an otherwise suspense-less world hockey. Marc Lammers who has piloted Netherlands women and men to great heights, has lent a big-stage image and credibility to Belgium with all round improvements.
Belgium came to India after we won the Asia Cup in Chennai, and played four test matches, only to show improvements in the end. That was long time back. Six years since then has changed its course. Hardly do the European outfit, who spoilt German team’s Olympic entry in 2008 – have to go through the qualifier later – lose to India.
Recent history backs them.
Barring an injury to its one of its senior players, the team is raring to go. Indians on the other hand presents an unexplored situation what with Terry Walsh’s major challenge coming here with his induction less than a year ago.
Dutch watchers of India are almost unanimous this Australian can make a turn around, given time and support. But the task on hand is right now how India will do.
Playing the last major on the traditional format of two equal halves, Indians have to be patient and show the power of resilence to contain Belgium.
Belgium, all said and done, sometimes break on its own pressure, and this trait has been noticed on many occasions.
Belgium did not qualify for the last World Cup, but has No.5 world cup rank, while India with its 8th place in the last has the identical FIH rank.
Deficit of three can be wiped out if India marshalls its resources, especially its ability to garner penalty corner. Rupinder Singh and V. Raghunath are reliable duo, they need all support from the forwards to get them what they need – penalty corners.
Getting penalty corners has been one of the latest short coming of India. Indian can walk heads high if the problem is sorted out right earnestly today.