Indian could have done it. They could have defeated Australia in the Sultan of Johor Cup. But it was not to be. Instead, they returned as a valiant loser. They have to blame themselves for this turn around in their second match. It was against Australia, and it needs a bit of roving eye.

If you look at the game in totality, the turning point was the second goal that the Indians conceded.

One silly goal turned the match. That was the second goal that the Australians scored. First goalkeeper kicked a shot. It was not powerful enough to reach safe area. But midfielder Devinder Walmiki was there, spotted the slow kick and also the ball, he was very nearby, did not use brain, but succumbed to the momentary pressure. He too cleared very feebly. It was a gift to Josh Walters, who played almost a tardy and rough game otherwise. But the gift of India put him on the scorer’s list.

This was Australia’s second goal, came much against the run of play.

Indians otherwise matched every move of the fast running Australians, did poorly only in the penalty corner area as that of the Aussies. They deserved a draw, but on the field sentiments don’t work.

I agree with Mukesh Kumar, chief coach, who says India could have wrapped up the match in the last five minutes.

Yes, it’s the time Indians had at least six sure shots at goal. Malak Singh and Devinder Walmiki being the famous wasters of chances.

Again about Walmiki. Got into yellow card business, around the same time Amit Rohidas got seconds ago. This is avoidable.

Cool, boys cool. Cooler the mind, better the chances of returning to from field smiling — and winning.

Then comes the question of penalty corners.

India has nothing to offer here. They got about six of them. First one was taken by Sampath Kumar, off the mark. After that came once by Walmiki and then Harpreet Singh came. Nothing worked against the anticipation of Edward Chhittleborugh Edward, the goalie, whose defenders also stood by.

Our own man for the cage job, Harmanpreet Singh is an inspired one, all by himself. He was more athletic and deceit than Naveen who had a nightmare of a match on day one against Korea.
Unless you watched the game, you can’t appreciate the Indians. For, now what will speak is the numbers, goals for two, against three.

One nasty thing about Indians here, I don’t know where they pick up things. They lose no time to question the wisdom of umpires. Its when they lost the cool on questioning the umpire’s decision to award a penalty corner, the Austrlians, who were otherwise very poor in penalty corners, converted the lone one in the entire match. Its time to learn, boys

You are young, please don’t go on to question the man who will decide and pass judgement on each of your field activity.

Somewhere, either to finish a move gainfully or to be respected by umpiring community, you have to learn a lesson.

Better right now, don’t waste time.