In the first match of Day Four in Kazan, the match which was keenly followed by the Indian management as the result would have serious consequence on India’s chances of staying alive in the competition, Netherlands Antilles does a favour for India, by losing to Belgium 2-3.
Already having won three matches, the Netherlands Antilles needed a draw or win for their thier hopes of reaching the finals — that would have dashed the faint hope of India making it to the finals — provided India would win the remaining two matches.
Till the half time, Netherlands Antilles lead Belgium 1-0, but a brief bout of attack from the Belgians midway through the second half, gave them a brace of goals. Through a penalty corner that was taken in after the hooter, Antilles scored a goal to give the match a semblance of equal fight.
After the press conference, Antilles’ captain Ernestina Schreuder told s2h: “Ok, now you go and play freely against the States”. How true she was. Now India got a chance to bounce back. And for that they need to defeat USA, second match of the day before calculators coming into their rescue.
If India wins both the matches, today against the States and day after tomorrow against France, then goal average will come into play. Even if Belgium defeats Russia day after tomorrow, they have to better goal average than India to outwit the former in the tight race for the final. The picture will emerge clear after completion of remaining two matches of Day Four.
Coach Kaushik and Technical Director Richard Charlesworth, who witnessed this match, must be aware they have got a godsend in result.