You haven’t seen the real Indian team yet, says Nobbs after loss

Reet Oberoi

Down 0-2, the Indian mens hockey team showed great courage to make it 2-2 against the Dutch in their Olympic Games opening encounter at the Riverbank Arena in London, before going down 2-3.

Coach Michael Nobbs said his players were “overwhelmed” by the situation and “could not play their natural game in the opening game”.

“This is not how we play,” he told this website after the loss. “We were perhaps overawed in the first half, and then came out attacking in the second one. If India would have played how they normally do, things would have been different.

“This is the Olympics, with the top 12 teams in the world competing for a gold. Nothing is going to be easy.

“We managed to give a good fight in the second half, and the aim ahead is to be consistent.”
Seasoned midfielder Ignace Tirkey said “lack of experience” pegged back the team, many of whom were taking part in their first Olympic Games.

“We lack experience and were also found wanting in the defence. Today’s game was a good lesson for what not to do ahead. The better we re-group, the better for the team.”

Dutch impressed

Holland coach Paul Van Ass said he “never expected India to make it 2-2”, showering high praise on his opponents.

“It wasn’t easy. They came back strongly and we just about managed to mend our ways. We are happy with the three points,” the coach said.