Belgium deservedly lifted the 31st Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, overcoming stiff Indian challenge 1-0 in the final today. However the silver medal must reckon with as a silver lining for India on multiple counts. Chief coach Craig Fulton took a risk of resting half a dozen stars for the Malaysian campaign, which meant he used it as a platform to test the players who are itching to etch out well-entrenched stars. That a team devoid of contemporary top stars went on the enter the final, and lost it by a solitary goal should satisfy the coach and merits commendation.
India lost a tough match yesterday, giving away the solitary goal early in the third quarter which proved too much for them to answer.
The forwardline worked hard but it was too much to tackle the stout defensive structure the Belgians put out in the final, with veteran goalie Vincent Vanasch proving to be a Rock of Gibraltar. Pawan to large extent, and Mohit to some extent proved they are no push over in safeguarding the Indian deence, and the duo owes huge credit to keep the nippier and speedier Belgian forwards.
Unfortunately for India, who were coming into this match after a high-scoring 14-3 win against Canada on Saturday, they couldn’t convert from the three penalty corners that they earned. While Jugraj Singh, Amit Rohidas and Sanjay have been successful in the PC attack during this tournament, they simply could not beat the Belgian defence.
The duo’s show actually appears to challenge Krishen Pathak and Suraj Karkera who are reining deities of the cage as of now.
As India faces two major tournaments, Asian Games and World Cup in quick succession, the emergence and testing of Pawan and Mohit should augur well for India to enrich its bench strength and if needed form two teams for the forthcoming challenges. The road is long and nothing can be said with authority but the experiments that Craig carried out using the Azlan Shah platform is a good step taken with far reaching benefits.
One concern of course will remain is the European team in the fray has beaten India twice, which tasted defeat only as much this. If any team would beat the same rival twice, it is certainly better and standards are high.
The only defeat India saw in this tournament was to Belgium earlier in the league stage. Belgium had got the better of India 3-2.
The match underscored defencive discipline. There were intense midfield battles and with experienced stars like Manpreet Singh and Hardik Singh rested for the tournament, the onus was on the younger lot who did were to keep narrow margins with a world class side like Belgium.
The first half ended goalless, but included high drama.
Both teams displayed tactical game, with Belgium starting on a better note in comparison with ball possession stats on their side. Their attack troubled the Indian defence from both flanks, and even forced a couple of sharp saves from the Indian goalkeeper. Though there were two early PCs Belgium earned, India did well to keep them at bay.
India took a while to settle into the match while Belgium really made them work in the midfield to control the play and enjoy longer spell with ball possession. But their could not make successful forays or couldn’t make the final connect to the post.
With 0-0 at half time, Belgium shifted momentum and put India under pressure. The Indians resorted to high press and increased their circle entries but could not out-smart Belgian defence in the third quarter too. Meanwhile, Stockbroekx’s goal in the 34th minute put India under the pump.
The final quarter saw India make desperate attempts to level scores but Belgium’s structure held strong and were successful to run down the clock and seal the win.