Counter-attacks key vs Dutch

ted a couple of mistakes against Belgium in first half and were under pressure during that period, Holland committed the same mistake in the last quarter against Germany, conceding three goals.

Experience and match maturity will play a vital role and both coaches must have cautioned their respective teams not to repeat that mistake if they want to play the semi-finals.

India can count on home advantage and crowd support, provided they don’t play under pressure or concede early goals. Because, then, the stadium turns into a silence zone.

Holland play an open game on the sidelines and endlines, so they maximise space at the centre. The Indian defence has to block those openings and initiate counter-attacks.

This is a young and fit India team. It has the capacity to take on any team in the world till the final whistle. A lot will depend on the midfielders such as skipper Manpreet, Sumit, Hardik and Lalit, to snatch the ball and initiate goal-bound moves to put pressure on Holland. Harmanpreet will have to convert penalty corners against Holland.

AREA OF CONCERN

India should not give away soft penalty corners, because the Dutch have good drag-flickers and their variations are dangerous, and they have scored a number of goals in recent past through variations. Goalkeeper Sreejesh, who has not been tested much in earlier matches, will have to be on his toes throughout the match. This is the best chance for us to finish the podium; hopefully we will see the youngsters live up to expectations of the country. A podium finish is within reach.

A lot will depend on the midfielders such as skipper Manpreet, Sumit, Hardik and Lalit, to snatch the ball and initiate goal-bound moves to put pressure on Holland.