Need to tighten defence against Australia: India hockey coach
NEW DELHI: India’s chief coach Jose Brasa was a happy man after his side registered three full points against Malaysia on Tuesday but said the home team will have to plug their holes in defence if they stand a chance over world champions Australia in their next match at the Commonwealth Games.
India had to play out of their skin to get past the spirited Malaysians 3-2 in their tournament opener on Tuesday.
“It was a difficult match. I am happy at least we won three points,” Brasa said.
“But it will be more difficult against Australia, we will have to defend well, they are the top team in the world. We will have to change few things. We have to plug those holes in defence,” he added.
India captain Rajpal Singh said his team will try to conceded less mistakes against the Australians on Thursday.
“I am happy. Since we played World Cup here, there was no pressure. The crowd support has helped us a lot. We will try not to repeat the mistakes we committed against Australia in the World Cup,” he said.
Asked if the team has any special plans against arch-rivals Pakistan, another tough team in Pool A, Rajpal quipped, “I don’t play with pistol. I will just bring my hockey stick.”
Malaysian coach Stephen van Huizen said he was left with less players to choose from.
“I am happy with the performance but not with the result. India have only one goalkeeper, we have two, so we have less options to choose from compared to India,” he said.