Having risen like a proverbial phoenix from the ashes, a rejuvenated Indian males's hockey crew wish to put up a much-improved efficiency when it takes on Japan in its first 'Tremendous 4' match of the Asia Cup right here on Saturday.
Regardless of going through a below-par Indonesia in its last group league recreation, the younger aspect coached by Sardar Singh have to be lauded for having the ability to rating a whopping 16 objectives in simply an hour.
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It was another than what India required to place a last nail in Pakistan's coffin so far as harbouring World Cup qualification hopes have been involved.
Each India and Pakistan completed on 4 factors every in Pool A behind Japan however the defending champions certified for the following spherical attributable to higher purpose distinction (+1).
But it surely was not a clean crusing for India within the first two matches.
Having already certified for subsequent 12 months's World Cup by advantage of being the hosts, India fielded an inexperienced crew with as many as 12 debutants for the event to realize much-needed expertise.
The younger boys didn't have the perfect of begins drawing 1-1 with Pakistan earlier than dropping 2-5 to Japan, which pushed them on the point of elimination.
However the Indians have been in no temper to bow out with out a struggle at the same time as they stood on the level of no return. They staged a dramatic turnaround to maintain alive their hopes of title defence.
They have been additionally aided by Japan, who beat Pakistan 3-2 of their last match.
Their first purpose achieved, the Indians wish to begin afresh within the Tremendous 4 stage, the place Japan, South Korea and Malaysia are the opposite three groups. All of the groups will play one another with the highest two progressing to the ultimate.
Revenge can be excessive on India's agenda having misplaced to the Japanese within the pool levels.
However it could be simpler stated than finished because the nimble-footed Japanese rely totally on counter assaults to shock their opponents, a ploy they used to perfection towards India of their final outing.
One of many perennial areas of concern for India is poor proportion of penalty nook conversions as this crew would not have a chosen drag-flicker like Rupinderpal Singh or Amit Rohidas. The truth is, even towards minnows Indonesia, India didn't convert even half of the 20 plus quick corners that they earned.
The Indian defence, led by Lakra, should be at its finest to cease the speedy Japanese, whereas the midfield should bind the crew collectively to create possibilities upfront.
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Dipsan Tirkey, who scored 5 objectives towards Indonesia, has been good with penalty nook conversions however it's an space of concern as India may utilise simply 9 out of the 22 quick corners they earned of their final recreation.
Younger Uttam Singh must be extra correct along with his ending contained in the opposition circle, however Pawan Rajbhar has the been star for India thus far. He not solely created possibilities along with his sturdy runs but in addition scored objectives.
Veteran SV Sunil scored two objectives towards Indonesia however age appeared to have caught up with him as his trademark electrifying runs down the flanks are lacking from his recreation.
However to get the higher of Japan, the Indians should produce a extra disciplined efficiency, which was missing within the first encounter between the 2 groups.
In different Tremendous 4 stage match, South Korea will tackle Malaysia.
