The Indian Hockey team lost 2-1 today in a crucial Group B fixture against the World number 2 Netherlands in a close fought contest which saw both teams being pushed to their very limits. Unfortunately for them, it was India who came out on the wrong end as far as results go. Speaking after the match, coach Roelant Oltmans was optimistic about India’s performance though despite the defeat. "There are small areas we are still lacking but we are very close to the top teams in the tournament and that’s encouraging", he said. India’s performance has been impressive so far in the tournament which has seen them defeat Argentina and Ireland by narrow margins so far.
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He quickly rebuked claims that his player’s morale would be hampered by India’s performance today. But the Indian coach did admit to his disappointment at India conceding as many cards as they have done so far in the tournament. "At the moment we got cards, momentum was on our sides, you can say that changed the game and its not something i am glad about" he said.
And indeed the two yellow cards which saw India going down to 10 men did saw the momentum swing massive to Netherlands’ favor after India had scored an equaliser against them in the same quarter. India needs to improve on this aspect of their game and make sure they do not lose players for crucial minutes as we enter the latter stages of the tournament.
“We are in third spot. So we are safe” claimed Sreejesh when asked if India would make it to the quarter-finals
Indian captain Sreejesh claimed he was not surprised by seeing himself getting subbed for a sweeper keeper as India looked to press on the Dutch for the closing minutes of the game. He said it is a proper strategy which was much discussed and practiced in training before. But despite their efforts India could not get the all-important second goal in the game which would have seen them ensure qualification from the group. “We tried 5 different variations for the penalty corner in the closing minutes of the game but we just could not find the goal”, Sreejesh said when quizzed about India’s high pressing game towards the end of the fourth quarter. But he remained optimistic claiming that team India have virtually secured a quarter final berth following wins against Argentina and Ireland.
Also read: Rio Olympics 2016: Men in Blue book historic quarter-final berth in hockey
Despite the certainty, Sreejesh reiterated that they will be putting their best foot forward for Canada, game which he calls “Crucial”. Quizzed about the potential encounter with Australia in the quarter finals, Sreejesh added “ That who they face in the quarters will not affect their game” and they take the tournament “one game at a time” . He reiterated coach Oltmans concerns about the number of cards that India has conceded Saying “We need to improve on the cards. They are hurting us” .
The mood in the Indian camp seems to be hinting that the quarter finals berth is a certainty. It’s also important that India learn from their mistakes in the last few games and make sure they do not repeat the errors in the knockout phase of the tournament. India will be heading into their last group game of the tournament against Canada as favorites and unless a big upset occurs, they will most likely finish 3rd in the Group and seal a spot in the quarter finals.
