Men in Blue look to extend dominance
Breda (The Netherlands), June 26: Their campaign off to a dream start with back-toback wins, India will look to continue the giant-slaying spree when they take on world champions Australia in their third match of the FIH Champions Trophy hockey tournament, here on Wednesday.
In pursuit of their maiden Champions Trophy title in the 37th and final edition of the event, India could not have asked for a better start, mauling Pakistan 4-0 before stunning world no. 2 and reigning Olympic champions Argentina 2-1 in their opening two games.
India now lead the sixteam standings with six points from two wins, just ahead of Australia (four points). The top two teams in the round robin league will face each other in the summit clash on Sunday.
The Commonwealth Games debacle behind them, India came out with new vigour and purpose here under new chief coach Harendra Singh, who swapped roles with Sjoerd Marijne as the women’s team coach.
Under Harendra, who took over for the fourth time in his career, the Indian team looked a completely transformed side, desperate to make amends for the Gold Coast disaster.
Preferring to field young alongside experienced players, Harendra has managed to instill confidence among the players and it is evident in India’s impressive performances in the opening two games here.
While the Indian strikers looked in imperious form, scoring brilliant field goals, the backline, the team’s perennial concern, has also produced a stellar show against Pakistan and Argentina. RAMANDEEP RULED OUT Young Dilpreet Singh has been strong upfront along side Mandeep Singh, S.V. Sunil and Lalit Upadhayay while Ramandeep Singh will not take any further part in the tournament after fracturing his right knee in the opening match against Pakistan, it was announced on the day.
The midfield, under the talismanic Sardar Singh, too rose to the occasion and has been building good link-ups with the forwards, resulting in the field goals.
But the Kookaburras would not be easy to edge past given their record of rising to big challenges effortlessly.
Defending champions Australia drew 3-3 with Belgium before beating Pakistan 2-1 to garner four points. And when it comes to India, they have always managed to be at their best. —