Need to tighten game, says Reid ahead of Australia match

TOKYO: Indian men’s hockey team chief coach, Graham Reid, was satisfied with his team geting its campaign off to a winning start against New Zealand but said they need to focus on tightening their game both in atack and defence.

India have to convert more chances they create and avoid giving their rivals opportunities, Reid opined ater India’s nervy 3-2 win on Saturday.

India rode on a brilliant performance by goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who made many crucial saves especially in the fourth quarter, and a brace of goals by drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh to beat New Zealand 3-2 in a Pool A encounter.

Coach Reid said the Indians need to tighten their game in the atacking third as well as at the defensive end in the upcoming matches, especially the next game against Australia on July 25.

“We probably could have put away the first few opportunities we created. It may have made the game a litle less close. I think that is what we need to focus on. We did well in converting the PCS (penalty corners), but we need to look at reducing the numbers (of PCS) we were giving away,” Reid said in his post-match comments.

India made 25 atacking circle penetrations but could atempt only 11 shots at the goal. They had five shots on target but could not score any field goal. The Indians earned only five penalty corners and converted two of them. But the statistics that worry Reid more would be 21 atacking circle penetrations made by the Black Sticks and 10 penalty corners they earned. And as Reid said, that’s the one area they have to work on. India’s defence on the penalty corners was strong with Amit Rohidas and skipper Manpreet Singh rushing out fast so as not to allow Kane Russel and Nick Wood the time to execute their drag-flicks properly. Indeed giving so many opportunities could prove disastrous against stronger teams like Australia, Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany. Though he has his task cut out to get his lads to pull up their socks, especially the midfield and forward line, Reid was happy with his team earning three full points In its opening match.

“Winning three points in a competition like the Olympic Games is important. I think we had a good second and third quarter but in the first and fourth we struggled a litle bit. When we watch the video later today, we will be able to find out what we need to get beter at, and surely there are going to be things we learn from today too.”