China buried deep down under by Kookaburras’ barrage of goals
Having beaten India in HWL Semi-Finals, Canada will rely on their penalty corner unit
who are very dangerous which creates a little doubt among higher-ranked teams because they have seen us upset top teams,” said Canada coach Paul Bundy.
DIRECT QUALIFICATION The Manpreet Singh-led side need to win to ensure a direct entry into the quarter-finals as world No 3 Belgium will also be vying for the same when they take on South Africa ahead of India’s clash.
However, the advantage the hosts have is that they have a better goal advantage and are playing the last Pool C game.
“We want to top the pool and so does Belgium. The positive thing is we know what’s our target,” said Harendra.
Though unbeaten in the tournament and still topping Pool C after a thumping 5-0 win against Overall World Cup
IN WORLD CUP HOCKEY
Canada beat India in Buenos Aires, 1978 Won Lost India beat Canada in London, 1986
South Africa and 2-2 draw against Belgium, India still have gaps to fill, especially in forward line which has had quite a few lapses.
MORE GOALS
“We are focussed on scoring more goals. We are deeply looking into reducing our lapses and increasing our circle penetrations India beat Canada in Lahore, 1990 Lost
Draw Canada beat India in Utrecht, 1998
by analysing and watching our videos,” said Simranjeet Singh, who has scored three goals so far for India.
MAIDEN WIN
Canada, on the other hand, will be eager for their first win after losing 1-2 to Belgium and drawing 1-1 against South Africa. Though a direct quarter-final entry looks unlikely, the North American team will look to enter the crossovers.
“India are a good team. They have been playing well and got a good draw against Belgium. They are fitter and faster than I can remember,” added Bundy, who along with his team took a three-day break to spend time in Puri.
Debutants China certainly have given a good account of themselves in the hockey World Cup. Not only did they hold Ireland to a draw, they also troubled England on way to a 2-2 stalemate.
After remaining in wilderness for almost two years --- they didn’t play in the Jakarta Asian Games and most international competitions --- China were an unknown entity coming into the World Cup. Perhaps that was the reason Ireland and England weren’t able to size up their game.
So, before their last Pool B game, the No 1 ranked team, Australia, too were apprehensive. In fact Aussie coach Colin Batch had said his team was expecting a tough game against China.
But on Friday, when Australia and China took to the field, no one was left in any doubt about the massive technical superiority of the Kookaburras --- the 11-0 scoreline being ample proof.
“China had drawn against Ireland and England, so, in our calculation, they were a tough opponent and we had not seen them play in the last two years, so we thought it would be a challenging game for us.
“We played good hockey and the final outcome is encouraging for us,” said Australia forward Flynn Ogilvie. “Now we have to shift our focus to the quarter-finals and we have three days before that to relax and prepare for the knockout game.”
We are focussed on scoring more goals. We are deeply looking into reducing our lapses and increasing our circle penetrations by analysing and watching our videos. SIMRANJEET SINGH, India player BHUBANESWAR: