India can beat any country in the world if the team sticks to its game plan, asserted the national men’s hockey side head coach Craig Fulton after a strong performance in the last leg of its otherwise overall poor campaign in the FIH Pro League.
Result
After opening with a 0-2 defeat to Spain, India bounced back to hold hosts Australia to a 2-2 draw. That followed a 1-1 draw against Spain. The squad regrouped well in the concluding fixture, winning the shootout 3-1 after a fiercely-contested 1-1 draw against Australia. In Rotterdam, India produced two of their finest results of the campaign, defeating Germany 3-1 and the Netherlands 3-2.
Signs of improvement emerged during the Hobart leg. However, the shootout in both those matches went in the favour of the opposition teams. Against two of the strongest defensive units in international hockey, India scored nine goals across four matches, with five coming from field play and four from penalty corners. “Our defence has stayed compact, the midfield has controlled the game well and our forwards have created good opportunities inside the circle and scored many field goals.
Having all bases covered gives us confidence, but we also know there are areas where we can continue to improve before the World Cup and the Asian Games.”
Key Moments
The biggest takeaway from Hobart was the improvement in defence. India conceded just six goals across four matches three from penalty corners and three field goals — while continuing to show improvement in attack with two field goals and two penalty-corner conversions.
Player and Team Performance
“It’s a solid stepping stone heading into the World Cup and Asian Games, but we are still focused on tightening up our performance and staying consistent from quarter to quarter. Fulton was particularly impressed with the team’s composure and hunger to do well.
