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When Indian team qualified for the London Olympics after their tremendous performance in the Olympic qualifiers where they remained unbeaten throughout the tournament, everyone knew that the run at the Olympics be at a different level all-together. Two matches into the tournament and the Indians are on a brink of elimination.
India in their opening match did well to come back to level the Dutch score after they were two goals down but eventually lost the match 2-3. The match against the Black Sticks was very disappointing for the Men-In-Blue. They got the initial lead but failed to capitalize. As always India’s defence was weak and their strikers panicked whenever they had the ball in the opposition’s half. As a result India have found themselves in a must-win situation against the defending champions, Germany.
Germany are very strong team and they are one of the favorites alongside Australia to win the gold medal. Germany has not been at their usual self and the team has looked a bit out of flavor. But even though the Germans are not playing their best hockey, they have won both their games. They defeated Belgium 2-1 and won against the Koreans 1-0. A win will virtually take them into the semis.
Michael Nobbs has a tough job on his hands in this match as the India are struggling in almost all the aspects. The defence is a known problem and except from the veteran Ignace Tirkey, all the other players are getting outpaced by their European opponents.
Indian strikers, who looked virtually unstoppable against the lesser teams in the qualifiers, have found it tough to control the ball. The trio of Sunil-Shivender-Tushar hasn’t made much influence in the two matches.
Star Indian drag-flicker, Sandeep Singh struggled against the Kiwis with his flicks. He scored the opening goal for the team but failed to convert the chances he got in the second half. He has looked very weak in defence.
India’s only saving grace has been Sardar Singh who did well against the Netherlands. The efficient mid-fielder was not given any space by the Kiwis and that created problem for India. Sardar is the lone Indian player who looks in control whenever he has the ball and doesn’t seem to get over-odd by the occasion.
Overall Indians have a tough task ahead of themselves and they will need a miracle to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
By Gaurav Jha
Indian Sports News Network
