India look for face-saver

Published>Sun, Mar 07 10 01:13 PM

India played for a semi-final spot against Spain a few days ago, and lost it despite getting enough chances. They played for pride against England on Saturday, but managed only to come close. Now, left with only their last league match against South Africa, there is little at stake for the hosts of the 12th hockey World Cup except a face-saver and one last chance to finish in single digits in the event.

The last time India played South Africa in a World Cup match, they were fighting to avoid the wooden spoon in 2006. India struggled to register a 1-0 win in the play-off for the 11th -12th spot back then. When the two teams line up on Monday, they will clash this time to finish in the top eight. And going by current form, India will have a battle on the cards yet again.

What should be a concern for the hosts is the fact that the last encounter between the two sides was an example of numerous chances going waste before India finally tapped in the winner. That story seems to be continuing in 2010, with the Indian strikers missing several sitters inside the circle. Against a resolute South African defence, it is an area that India need to address quickly. Ranked 13th in the world, they made a strong return after a 12-0 mauling by Australia, upsetting Pakistan 4-3. Their morale will be high and a win against India will put them fourth in the table.

South African captain Austin Smith has already said that their realistic target from this World Cup was to learn from the top teams and improve on their last-place finish from 2006. And his team look determined to do exactly that. The South Africans are physically much stronger, and India need to counter that with their skills and gameplan.

For India, a win is important for more reasons than one. It will help them fight for the seventh spot, their best finish in the event in the last 12 years. It will also be their last chance to prove that the team are better than they have played so far.

On the positive side, India have definitely been a better team than Pakistan in the event irrespective of their results. Also, Pakistan managed to pull back after being down 4-1 at one stage despite their scorers having an off day, which makes South Africa's defence slightly suspect.

Source: Web Search