Counter-attacks key vs Dutch

It was in 2011 when as manager, I submitted a report on India’s performance in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. Apart from highlighting several other issues, I pointed out the poor fitness level of the team --- the team was good only in the first half. But, now, I am amazed to see the fitness level of the current team. I can say it’s one of the fittest teams in the World Cup.

In the pool game against Belgium, where we managed a draw, we didn’t play consistent hockey in the first two quarters. To nurture podium dream, we have to play all four quarters like we played in the second half (third and fourth quarter) against Belgium.

I can safely say that in the last five-six years, we have improved drastically in all departments, except consistency. To beat top teams, we have to play consistent hockey.

INDIA VS HOLLAND

On paper, the Dutch are ahead of us. But in tournaments like World Cup and Olympics, ranking or previous records hardly matter. We are the top-ranked team in Asia but we finished third in the Asian Games. There, too, the team consistency was to be blamed.

So in the quarter-finals on Thursday, we have to forget past performances and ranking, and have to start afresh. The way Indian and Netherlands have played in the World Cup, both are equally placed. If India committed 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. COL BALBIR SINGH