The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : We expected a tougher match: Dancer

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Dec 14, 2005

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Sport - Hockey

We expected a tougher match: Dancer

CHENNAI: Australian coach Barry Dancer was surprised with the way India played against his team. "We expected a tougher match," said Dancer. "Our players showed good control and we had a good start," he said.

When told that his team was almost assured of a place in the final, Dancer said, "almost doesn't guarantee anything."

"We still have two matches and might lose six points. Now we are focussing on the next match against the Netherlands."

Indian coach Rajinder Singh (Jr) said midfielder Viren Resquinha, who was stretchered out during the second-half, had a shoulder injury.

Gagan Ajit Singh said there was no pressure on him as a captain, as the task had been equally divided among the team members.

`Lucky'

The Netherlands coach, Roelant Oltmans, said, "we were lucky to win the match against Spain. We controlled the game better. We played as if it was the final."

Spain coach Maurits Hendriks said the team showed great mental strength. He praised captain Francisco Fabregas for playing the match despite knowing well before that his grandfather had passed away. — Sports Reporter

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