Just a day before the World Cup began my son was upset with me after I mentioned on a television programme that if the Indian team finished among the first six at the ongoing World Cup in Germany it would be a great achievement.
Cannot blame him, and all those hockey lovers who are anxious to see India regain old glory.
Having followed the game closely, there is no doubt in my mind that the standard of every hockey-playing nation has improved leaps and bounds, and not only India, but Pakistan, the other Asian giant, is struggling to maintain the top position it once enjoyed.
India managed to get its first point in three matches against South Africa after a 1-1 draw. With two matches, against Korea and Holland, left in the league stage, the team is likely to finish in 5th or 6th place in the pool and then have to fight for 8th to 12th positions in the classification matches.
Against South Africa, the Indian think-tank included Raghunath in place of the experienced Kanwalpreet Singh. It was a bold step to give the young deep defender his first major senior international assignment. The manner in which Kanwalpreet had lost focus at crucial moments in the two earlier games, against Germany and England, he needed to be substituted. And Raghunath responded quite admirably in handling the pressure.
Surprisingly, in spite the Indian team being precariously placed at the moment, the blame game in the Indian camp, or from the federation, has not yet begun. Coach Bhaskaran has put it very mildly by saying he was upset by the casual approach of his forwards. I guess he already has the Asian Games, coming up at Doha in December, in mind. With a little under three months left, he hardly has time to prepare and knows very well that except for a couple of changes, he will have to depend on most of these players.
Sometime ago there was serious debate regarding the introduction of the third umpire. It is good to see it being used in the ongoing tournament. There were apprehensions that it would slow down the tempo of the game, but better sense has prevailed and thus far none have complained.
One would expect at least two more cameras at different strategic angles; that would help the third umpire to come up with accurate decisions.
Another point the rules board should take note of is the amount of time that is wasted after a penalty-corner is awarded. If observed closely, 40 to 60 precious seconds per penalty-corner is wasted. The board should consider calling time out when a penalty-corner is awarded, as is done in the case of a penalty-stroke.
India take on Korea in its fourth outing on Monday knowing very well victory is paramount to halt the slide down the ladder. With seven points from three matches, the Koreans are battling with defending champions Germany for the top spot in Pool B and will give nothing away. Which means another tough contest is on the cards. Stopping the hard-running and fitter Koreans is surely going to be tough. If our midfield can create the opportunities for Gagan Ajit, Shivendra Singh and Tushar Khandekar upfront, we can surely stretch the Koreans, if not beat them. Otherwise, be ready for more disappointment.
Mervyn Fernandis represented India at the 1980, '84 and '88 Olympics. He also captained India at the junior World Cup in Versailles, France, in 1979.
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