Yesterday the world witnessed a clash many had pitted to go much in the favour of Netherlands and it did, but not before the Eleven brave Indian Women played their hearts out to keep the margin to only 2-0.
Perhaps not the euphoric optimism of a hurrah that the die-hard Indian faithful would have expected from these mighty fine women representing our beautiful nation after the astute performances Salima Tete’s team had put in to reach the next round with a draw against two of the best teams in China and England and an annihilation of South Africa who possibly don’t fit into India’s mould anyway.
Well, the grass was most certainly greener for Netherlands, the number one ranked team in Women’s Hockey who courtesy this win have cemented their final four ambitions.
But as things stand, the Indian women are still not out of the semifinal race with a victory against Australia being the need of the hour and the hope that other results in the group shower some blessings on the Women in Saffron.
Speaking about India-
Netherlands contests, there is a second one taking shape in a matter of a few hours as the men now look to further their ambitions of reaching the knockouts having finished second to England in the league stage and hence have not carried points into the next phase.
This makes the contest all the more crucial for Craig Fulton’s team who are up against a mighty fine Dutch team playing on their home turf with already three points to their name having topped the group.
Harmanpreet and his chargers most definitely can’t afford a slip up in this one as that would dent their final four ambitions with both England and Holland already sitting pretty with three points each considering their numero uno finishes in the group stages and the latter could perhaps soar to six, if India’s fortunes were to go south.
But this can certainly be avoided, with India themselves looking to climb higher and secure a place in the final four.
That, in turn, raises the central question of this piece: can the eleven Indian sticks come together efficiently and play a purposeful, cohesive brand of hockey?
Well, the answer is an affirmative YES and here’s how:
Attack with Intent but also Defend with Heart
While India has most certainly been attacking with intent galore in this World Cup so far with goals aplenty against Wales, Pakistan and England, when it comes to defending, they have been found a bit wanting.
Having conceded in every game—including against lower-ranked Wales, a Pakistan side still some way from its prime, and an England team that exposed India’s defensive frailties—the likes of Harmanpreet, Jugraj, Jarmanpreet and Amit Rohidas must show greater resilience at the back.
Truth be told, India cannot afford to allow opponents so many opportunities to enter the circle and create scoring chances.
It also hurts with perhaps one of our best goal keepers in world hockey in P. Shreejesh not being in this tournament having recently hung up his boots, which puts even more pressure on the youngsters in goal, Mohit and Suraj Karkera.
This has to change if India has any ambitions to move further in this tournament because teams like Netherlands and Argentina will all but expose India’s fragilities at the back.
The back line needs to be more strategically coordinated and defend with all their heart to thwart the attacking chances that the opposition teams create.
Coach Fulton will have to be mindful of this going forward with a lot riding on his tactics if India are still to stay relevant in this tournament.
In a matter of hours, we will know what the fortunes hold for this team.
But for the die-hard faithful, hope remains the strongest voice of all—willing both Indian teams to find their finest selves, defy the odds and keep the World Cup dream burning a little longer.
