It's been a two-day rest period before they take on World Cup champions Australia today in what could be a needle game in deciding the approach to the podium
Coach Harendra Singh interacts with his players recently. Pic/PTI
Harendra Singh's shouts reverberated across the main pitch here at the Hockey Club in Breda. He egged on the boys, pushed them and wanted more intensity. On a day of bright sunshine with the stadium bathed in it warmth and glow, the Indian national team, sitting on top of the table with six points was putting in a comprehensive training session.
It's been a two-day rest period before they take on World Cup champions Australia today in what could be a needle game in deciding the approach to the podium. With wins over Pakistan (4-0) and Olympic Champions Argentina (2-1), India would push that extra in extracting another three points; making a top three finish look that much easier.
ADVERTISEMENT
It's not going to be easy. Against the Aussies, it's never easy. "And why should it be easy?" asks Harendra. "My instructions are very clear. Play freely. Let's be aggressive and press. If we feel negative, the result would be similar."
The numbers are never great when it comes to head-to-head with the Aussies: Matches played 122, won 22, drawn 17 and lost 83. In the compact style that India plays now, tightening defences and using a four-man midfield with a lone forward upfront, switching positions and plans along the way has somewhat thrown off teams. And as Harendra says, "It's a four-nation tournament from now on and we need to show we belong."
Tactical analyst and the man responsible to increase the percentage of India's PC conversion, Aussie Chris Ciriello is quietly confident. "India is a world-class team and the averages of the conversion will go up." Harmanpreet Singh, who flicked home against Argentina, says that all the training sessions before the CT have made the team defensively solid but not with a defensive mindset. "We love to attack and the coach has given the players a free hand in expressing ourselves on the pitch."
Also Read: India hockey coach Harendra Singh enjoys pressure, wants boys to end 2018 on a high note
Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
