IJ TS: Can India establish firmly today in the Second test

Indian team, somewhat subdued in the first encounter will try to improve today as the second test against visiting Japan in Bhubneswar.

Before the start of first test between India and Japan, the home side was seen as firm favorites to dominate the four match series.

But what happened in Bhubaneswar last night raises eye-brows at Indian team’s performance ending in a Japanese controlled 1-1 draw.

The Sardar Singh-led-side who finished third in recently concluded 15th Sultan Azlan Shah Cup beating power-house Australia 4-2 were lacking behind on all the aspects of the game compared to the visitors. Specially the trio of Raghunath, Birendra Lakra and Rupinderpal Singh displayed rusty defensive skills and were regularly out-broken by Japanese strikers.

The Indian side were at their inconsistent best against Japan.

Though Sardar Singh & Co started it with flurry of attacks but ended up giving advantage to their Asian counter-parts in the second quarter. The defense gave to much space and was completely demolished by Japanese striking force, as they took the lead through Daichi Kurogawa’s goal in the 19th minute of thegame.

Inadequate striking skills, inability to win or convert penalty comers plagued the team has hurt coach Paul Van Ass’s tactics. The Dutch-coach would believe his team to comeback with a different mind-set and strong play in the second test.

“We didn’t play very good yesterday and faced strong challenges from the Japan side. As I told you earlier, don’t see the ranking, they are a very good Asian team, who plays in European style speedy hockey. We didn’t play as per our expectations in the first half, that’s why we conceded the goal. But we came back after the half-time and played well.

The first match was like testing each other’s strength and we now know the Japanese better. We are working harder on our defence side and in the next match, we will step on the field with better strategies against the opponents.” India Chief Coach Paul van Ass stated.

Gurbaj Singh was blazing and looked most efficient of Indian players, compiling his skills blending with the strong runs and creating chances through the right flanks.

India would hope to bounce back hard in Tuesday ‘s game and give something back to local fans who were left disappointed on a tame 1-1 draw.

If played to their full-strength, Paul Van’s men can easily outplay the 16th ranked side in the world.