Lombi happy with team’s show in World Cup

NEW DELHI: Delighted with his low ranked side’s impressive showing in the hockey World Cup, Argentina coach Pablo Lombi said the South American team’s improved performance in the mega event would open up doors of opportunities for the development of the game back home.

The 14th ranked Argentina on Tuesday defeated Canada 4-2 in their last group match to finish fourth in Pool A above New Zealand and qualify for the seventh-eighth play-off match against India on Friday.

“For Argentina the eighth place finish is very important. It would create lot of possibilities to play more international matches. The government would also invest money in the sport looking at our performance,” Lombi said.

“The main problem for us is that we don’t play lots of matches, but we now have great opportunity,” he said.

With India awaiting them next, Lombi said his side won’t be under pressure when they take on the home team in the packed stadium on Friday.

“It would be an exciting final game for us but we won’t be under pressure. It would be a great experience to play under such a huge crowd. We are not used to such scenarios,” he said.