India look for improvement in Hockey World League Final

Biswajyoti Brahma,TNN | Jan 10, 2014, 12.48 AM IST

NEW DELHI: In the Hockey World League Final, most of the teams have fixed their eyes on podium-finish. Indians, however, are seeking a different goal, that of improvement.

One can’t blame new coach Terry Walsh for not expressing his desire openly to win a medal in the HWLF, which is beginning in the Capital on Friday, as recent history shows most predictions about Indian hockey have gone horribly wrong.

The event would be Walsh’s first big assignment since taking over from fellow Australian Michael Nobbs a couple of months back and he would be testing waters at the HWLF with some major events including the World Cup scheduled to be held later this year.

“Our goal is improvement as we go through the tournament. We want to see improvement in four areas — physiological, psychological, tactical and basic skills,” Walsh said on Thursday.

Apart from World No. 4 England, the other two teams in India’s group are No. 1 Germany and No. 7 New Zealand. India, who are world No.10, did not qualify for HWLF but made it to the tournament as hosts.

India suffered a setback even before the start of the tournament as some key players are either injured or going through rehab. Their 18-member squad included six players from the team that played in the junior World Cup last month, where India finished a disappointing 10th.

“We were really sad with what happened in the junior hockey World Cup, but this is another huge opportunity for those six players,” Walsh said.

India and England last played against each other in a major tournament in the 2012 Champions Trophy in Melbourne where India won 3-1.

England captain Barry Middleton said his side is aiming for a berth in the final. “Everybody is fit. We will play our natural game with full strength. India is a great team with very good and talented players.

“We have a good chance to play in the semifinals and final. We will play our best to achieve the goal,” he said.

Today’s matches: Australia vs Belgium 2pm; Netherlands vs Argentina 4pm; Germany vs New Zealand 6pm; India vs England 8pm. Live on Ten Sports.

HOCKEY WORLD LEAGUE FINAL

Pool A

Germany (Ranking: 1); How they qualified: 1st place in Hockey World League Semifinal, Johor Bahru (Malaysia); England (4) How they qualified: 3rd place in Hockey World League Semifinal, Johor Baru; New Zealand (7) How they qualified: 4th place in Hockey World League Semifinal, Rotterdam (Netherlands); India (10); How they qualified: Tournament hosts

Pool B

Australia (2), How they qualified: 2nd place -Hockey World League Semifinal, Rotterdam; Netherlands (3), How they qualified: 3rd place in Hockey World League Semifinal, Rotterdam; Belgium (5), How they qualified: 1st place in Hockey World League Semi Final, Rotterdam; Argentina (11), How they qualified: 2nd place in Hockey World League Semi Final, Johor Bahru