The Hindu : Sport : India has its task cut out

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Monday, Feb 09, 2009
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Sport

India has its task cut out

Vijay Lokapally

The Dutch are without veterans Taekema and de Nooijer
India coach concerned about inconsistent defence

CHANDIGARH: The passion for hockey in these parts of the country will remain the most striking feature of the Punjab Gold Cup hockey tournament.

Near-packed galleries have greeted the Indian team in every match. Expectations have swelled through the course of the competition.

Long way to go

However, the old guard is clear in its assessment. This team has a long way to go and a place in the final should not be construed as renaissance of Indian hockey.

Even winning the title, if that was to materialise in Monday’s final against the Netherlands, should only be hailed as a small step in that direction.

The team went through a turbulent period as controversy rocked the Indian camp when coach Harendra Singh and National selector Aslam Sher Khan indulged in a war of words in public. The clash had its impact on some of the players, seniors especially. For those who have always wished Indian hockey well this was just a page from the past when the internal squabbles led to the downfall of individuals and teams.

Inconsistent showing

In terms of quality, there have been a few memorable moments. Of course, The Netherlands has lifted the fare a few notches with its positive style but the rest have been guilty of inconsistency. New Zealand and Germany, witnessing a transition period, have used the tournament to build some players.

The Dutch decided to rest Taeke Taekema, an acknowledged drag-flick expert, and their veteran forward and play-maker Teun de Nooijer from the tournament only because of the restriction on the number of players who could be registered for the tournament. But the team gained immensely in the process.

The Dutch style has looked the most compact and exhilarating, what with the team having some amazingly versatile players. The positive nature that marks The Netherlands’ style created a few good contests. The match in which the Dutch drew 4-4 with the host was easily the pick of the tournament so far.

Loopholes

Sadly, India, despite making it to the final, has not appeared a confident side. The loopholes have remained unplugged right through and nothing signifies the state of affairs better than Harendra Singh confessing that the defence has looked highly vulnerable.

“Our defence has been an area of concern and we need to work on this aspect,” said the coach.

The Netherlands has coped with the challenge perfectly. Tactically the Dutch have surprised their opponents with the pace they set and overall have looked a formidable combination.

The emphasis on attack has shown The Netherlands as the team to watch regardless of the result. The brand of hockey that the Dutch have displayed must have won them many admirers here.

The Netherlands has clearly looked the best team in the tournament and it will need a Herculean effort from India to emerge a better team in the final on Monday.

Monday’s fixtures: For third place: Germany vs New Zealand 3.30 p.m.; Final: India vs The Netherlands (6.30 p.m.).