India face tough French test

MS Unnikrishnan

If the goals knocked in by the Indian men’s team against Singapore (15-1) and Italy (8-1) were applied as a benchmark following the first two days’ of action, the hosts are firmly on course for an Olympic berth from the Olympic Qualifying Men’s Hockey Tournament, being held at the Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.

But a reality check would reveal that they would have to firm up their act if they have to take the measure of the other teams as well-France, Canada and Poland. Like India, France too have won both their matches, though their narrow 2-1 win against Poland is indicative of the toughness of the East European team, who shocked the fancied Canada in their second match. Canada’s defeat is good news for India, and if the hosts can subdue France tomorrow, then they could be in contention for the lone Olympic spot available here.

India had played free-flowing, attacking games against Singapore and Italy, but the chances they missed and muffed were a matter of concern, particularly the number of penalty corners they failed to convert against Singapore, whose custodian Sang Ong baulked many of India’s drag-flicks. That Sandeep Singh could score just one goal out of the 15 slotted home by the hosts, and V.R. Raghunath none, was a matter of concern as drag-flickers are touted as our match-winners, though another encouraging aspect was that as many as ten players figured among the scorers, which indicated the quick inter-change of positions, fast release of the ball, and generally having the right man at the right spot, when the ball rolls into the ‘dee’. Sandeep and Raghunath made ample amends against Italy, getting their drag-flicks spot on, with Sandeep alone accounting for three of the eight goals scored by India. Raghunath got one in, and the conversion of four out of five penalty corners was a good augury. But a goal each scored by Singapore and Italy came off sudden counter-attacks, which indicates the pores in the defence when faced with unexpected assaults. In fact, the goal scored by Italy off their only penalty corner could have been avoided, had the defenders and the custodian been alert.

But these are minor irritants considering the hosts’ chase of a bigger goal, and chief coach Michael Nobbs must have certainly worked out the game-plan to counter the moves of France, Canada and Poland, to ensure that the hosts remain unbeaten, with a larger number of goals in their kitty. The first two matches have proved that India have many players who can score goals, as they have the uncanny knack of catching the opposition off-guard with their speed, quick swapping of positions and the ability to shoot from any angle. Sandeep Singh, Gurwinder Singh Chandi and S.V.Sunil have score four goals each to emerge as the leading scorers, but to India’s advantage, they have other sure shot strikers, who can fetch goals too.

Though the Indian women have somewhat spoiled their party when they drew with Ukraine 1-1 in their opening match, they came to their true self against Canada, belting in four goals against one. They played as a cohesive unit against Canada, forcing many penalty corners, and having a close shy at the rival goal many a time, though they could eventually earn only four goals. They too need to sustain the momentum, and as captain Asunta Lakra put in, should play as an attacking unit, seizing their chances with both the hands, instead of being erratic when it comes to scoring chances inside the dee. But the hosts face a difficult task, as South Africa, who are ranked ahead of India, have beaten Poland 2-1 and Ukraine 2-0 to keep ahead, and only some topsy-turvy results in the rest of the competition can change the course of the final result. India next face Poland, who had spanked Italy 4-1 in their second match, and face a tough run.

Tuesday’s fixtures: Women: Canada vs Ukraine (10 am), Italy vs South Africa (12 noon) and Poland vs India (6 pm). Men: Singapore vs Canada (2 pm), Poland vs Italy (4 pm) and India vs France (8 pm).