I feel a mere look at final score of 2-5 doesn't convey the complete picture, in all fairness this was a very fought match. Certainly we had our chances, but couldn't capitalise at the right moment. Looking at the events in the recent past, I somehow feel that we past the nadir that Indian hockey was destined to witness and from now on things can improve only. Just look at the hunger for success on the face of the boys, which was missing for so long. I am no soothsayer but with whatever little understanding I have of the game, I can India finishing among the top 6 sides in this hockey world cup. Instead of being critical this is high time we support our back and back them fully.
Re: Dont feel disheartened pals after our loss to Australia
by slayer slayer on Mar 03, 2010 12:40 AM
today the defense looked sloppy, especially sandip singh, he looked a bit under pressure and out of sorts...plus the defence vulnerabilities didn't help the attack to go through the centre in to the D which gave the aussies the mid field open for control
I feel a mere look at final score of 2-5 doesn't convey the complete picture, in all fairness this was a very fought match. Certainly we had our chances, but couldn't capitalise at the right moment. Looking at the events in the recent past, I somehow feel that we past the nadir that Indian hockey was destined to witness and from now on things can improve only. Just look at the hunger for success on the face of the boys, which was missing for so long. I am no soothsayer but with whatever little understanding I have of the game, I can India finishing among the top 6 sides in this hockey world cup. Instead of being critical this is high time we support our back and back them fully.
I feel a mere look at final score of 2-5 doesn't convey the complete picture, in all fairness this was a very fought match. Certainly we had our chances, but couldn't capitalise at the right moment. Looking at the events in the recent past, I somehow feel that we past the nadir that Indian hockey was destined to witness and from now on things can improve only. Just look at the hunger for success on the face of the boys, which was missing for so long. I am no soothsayer but with whatever little understanding I have of the game, I can India finishing among the top 6 sides in this hockey world cup. Instead of being critical this is high time we support our back and back them fully.
Indians have already beaten one of the two tough opponents in their group. Although they lost today there is every chance that go on to beat South Africa, Spain and England. They may still reach the semis if they just forget today's match and concentrate on the remianing matches.
Re: India's chances of reaching the semis
by S Shrikanth on Mar 02, 2010 11:51 PM
They will have to forget today's defeat. They have lost to the most powerful team of the tournament.
India will have to leave past behind to win against England, Spain and South Africa.
But all these 3 teams are very powerful. India will have to play like they played against Pakistan on Sunday.
Re: Re: India's chances of reaching the semis
by Sukhwinder Singh on Mar 02, 2010 11:58 PM
I think this Indian team has potential to beat or at least draw with Eng/SA/Spain.
Australians are just too ahead of India.
I have seen very close matches between India and Holland/Germany like 2-3 3-4 but against Australia margin is always big.
Re: Re: India's chances of reaching the semis
by Yogesh Hasabnis on Mar 02, 2010 11:55 PM
South Africa is a relatively weak team. They should be easily beaten. Spain and England are tougher to beat but by no means unbeatable. Coach Brasa and the team management should try and keep the spirits high.
Re: Re: sachin's failures--- answered here...
by Sukhwinder Singh on Mar 02, 2010 11:55 PM
Shrikanth, I don't think you should divert from the topic. You have to keep in mind that cricket supporters far outnumber Hockey supporters (I am one of them BUT I like hockey too).
India & Pak still play the traditional classic hockey which is outdated.They must learn to play the fast hit and run type of game in which hockey is played like soccer but with sticks. Also,the Aussies and Koreans tackle each attacker with 2-3 players and never give up till he is dispossessed.Our players do not tackle the attackers relentlessly but give them 'spaces'.
All of a sudden,our hockey players are trying to use the popularity/marketability of our cricketers...they go on a strike at the crucial hour of WC..and earn a few lakhs of rupees..
Re: disaster decision to play adrian d'souza ...
by Sukhwinder Singh on Mar 02, 2010 11:50 PM
Baljit was best goalkeeper India had but he almost lost his eye. D'souza is better than the other one. He even saved a penalty stroke and made some other good saves otherwise margin of loss would have been much bigger.
I feel sad for Baljeet. I read he was not even given passes to watch India Pakistan match and was asked to buy tickets. What a Pity!
2-5 is not a really bad loss considering Australia are number 2 in the world and India is 12th.
Re: disaster decision to play adrian d'souza ...
by Nisar Ansari on Mar 02, 2010 11:49 PM
Vijay, UR quite right.Adrian's reactions are too slow.Srijesh who played in Pak match is far better. I should not say this, but Adrian always brings bad luck to India,particularly agaist Aussies!
