Holland stand in India’s way
Breda ( Netherlands), June 29: India will look for at least a draw against hosts the Netherlands in their last round robin match here on Saturday, a result that will be enough for the eight- time Olympic champions to grab a second consecutive final spot at the Champions Trophy hockey tournament.
India are second in the standings with seven points from two wins, a loss and a draw. Defending and world champions Australia top the table with 10 points and have already secured a berth in Sunday’s summit clash.
The top two teams from the round robin stage play in the final.
For India the equation is simple. A draw will be enough to guarantee them a place in a repeat of 2016 Champions Trophy final in London.
For the Netherlands, it is a must- win match as only a win can ensure their place in the final.
In the other inconsequential match of the day, Australia will be favourites against Olympic champions Argentina.
Under new chief coach Harendra Singh, India could not have asked for a better start to their campaign here. India mauled Pakistan 4- 0 before stunning Argentina 2- 1.
But thereafter, India lost to Australia 2- 3 after a valiant fight before conceding a late goal to draw 1- 1 against Belgium on Thursday.
Even though Ramandeep Singh’s injury hurt India badly, the strikers have been in good form. The likes of Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh and Lalit Upadhayay have lived up to expectations.
The defenders too have done a decent job but in the last two games against Australia and Belgium, they crumbled when under pressure.
Experienced Sreejesh P. R. has been phenomenal in goal and it was solely because of his heroics, India managed to garner a point against Belgium.
But the major cause of concern for India would be their penalty corner conversion rate and Harendra will need to address it. — PTI