Modern hockey is dynamic and unpredictable. Even yesterday’s parameters do not stand for today. Best example is Australia-Netherlands quarterfinals. Netherlands were a struggling side here in the pool, but came out guns blazing a few hours ago. Australia, looked invincible till now, was stretched to limit. The Dutch levelled the score 2-2 and dragged them to shoot out only to see their goalie Charlie Charter becoming a saviour.

Herein lies a lesson for Indian men at Tokyo. They have to forget everything that had happened so far on the Oi turf, and go all out today, afresh and avowed. Its easy said than done.

The present Great Britain side is good one but not formidable. They were lucky to have two easy rivals in the opening stage – South Africa first and then Canada- but once the business end of the pool arrived, they were tested. They did not pass the test with adequate marks. Germany put it across five goals (1-5). All the British side could do was to get a solitary penalty corner and a goal.

Germany did the wonder with a simple mantra of possessing the ball and excelling at set piece. When most teams were struggling to score through penalty corners, Germany did convert two out of seven till the pool and then 3 out of 4 in the quarters!

The British posted two draws after that. Basically, British are in the quarterfinal with two early victories and two draws. Had it not been the last of the pool matches, where the stake for the rival Belgium was nothing, the result could have been different. Given the form the Belgians are in Tokyo, the British would have probably been given a draw by them.

India on the other hand had their worst day against Australia but had the moral high of winning all other matches.

A closer look at India reveal they have flair, and are playing a patient but purposeful game. On flip side, they are error prone and too gentlemanly inside the circle. So far, despite scoring four goals (2 Vs New Zealand 2 Vs Japan) so far, Harmanpreet Singh is not striking any form. Contrarily, its nice to see Rupinder Pal Singh, taking control of things.

The British will play impeccable, flawless, geometric hockey. Can Indian flair can match them is the question. Indians here are error prone. British, like any other top teams, will await for such lapses and avail.

India therefore need to play a patient, faultless, total hockey and wait for breakaway moves to surprise rival goalie Payne.

Indian midfield looks solid, Surender Kumar on the left showing class, not only with interceptions but also with precise scoops and covering defence. Shamsher, despite inexperienced, showing proof why was he selected in the first place. He has easily settled down, and is more opportunistic in the circle, even better Mandeep Singh.