Can India put it across the Dutch today at Raipur?

Indian fans hope of our national team will do better here in Raipur than how they started on Friday, is based on two happenings in short spell after Argentina drubbing.

Firstly, the unexpected clinical brand of hockey showcased by India against Olympic gold medallist Germany. Secondly, Raipur proving to be nemesis of established names what with British thumping down current world’s premier outfit Australia on Sunday.

After a lacklustre Argentina no show, India played a neat, flawless, controlled and patient hockey against Germany

. It paid dividends.

What India has to do today against the Dutch is just to repeat the same: avoid unforced errors, show keenness with extreme alert, maintain character entire 60 minutes. Two yellow cards in the dying moments can spoil Indian party today. Its not panic but patience that is going to help India.

If British can do it against Australia why can’t we do the same to The Netherlands? Indian team and their think tanks must be hoping on the same lines.

Dutch are the defending champions. Dutch are very much high ranked teams than India. India lost most matches between them in the last 10, 20 or 30 contests. One can go on add adjectives like this and seek to surmise today’s outcome in a predictable fashion. Compartmentalization of this kind cannot stand scrutiny for the simple reason that ranks and history go haywire often: Australia’s struggle and GB’s ascendency are proof.

Netherlands just drew Germany; and buckled under sustained pressure when Argentina went blitzkrieg with penalty corners. It had to concede two PC goals after establishing a clear 3-0 lead early in the game. Gonzalo Peillat could do what he did to India thereafter.

Here lies the lesson for India: There is always time for fight back if attack will have verve.
India’s strength is its PC experts in the form of Rupinder Pal Singh and VR Raghunath.

Its now upto the forwardline to supply PCs.

On the other hand, the Dutch will rely on usual flair. They have a flawless defence and impeccable goalkeeping. India has to catch on wings with speed. A bit of usual dodging upfront may do.

Our goalie Sreejesh needs upfront protection to avoid rebound strikes with which the Dutch are exponents.
Indian worry may surround over the rawness of Talwinder Singh & Amir Khan, better use of Danish Mujtaba, inaccuracy and less accurate Ramandeep Singh.