WAC: Indians needs to find quick solution to their finishing woes
 |
| India |
February 3, 2004
Hindustan Times, India
> Page Views 1724
India would have to find a quick solution to their finishing woes in their last league encounter against Kazakhstan tomorrow if they want to entertain any hopes of topping their pool in the 5th Women's Asia Cup Hockey Tournament.
The Indians, virtually assured of a berth in the semi-finals with one win and a draw, the same as China, from their two league encounters so far, need to score atleast two goals more than the World Championship bronze medallist to top Pool A on goal difference.
Both India and China have scored five goals in the two encounters but the latter has conceded only one goal to the hosts' two.
China will face Malaysia in their last league match tomorrow, after a rest day today.
The Indians have been playing a brilliant possession hockey in the tournament so far but their star studded forward line has failed to convert the plethora of chances.
Infact, the Commonwealth champions would have been sitting pretty with full points had they converted even 10 per cent of their chances against China whom they drew 1-1.
To add to that, the hosts have been found wanting in the penalty corner conversion as well, barely converting two of the 21 that have come their way in the two matches.
"It is essential that the forward line starts converting more and more chances quickly and tomorrow's match will be very important before the semi-finals," coach M K Kaushik said.
Kaushik, however, expressed satisfaction with the way his midfield and defence were playing.
"We have been solid in the defence and midfield and that has been a big positive from the two matches."
In Pool B, defending champions South Korea and Japan will face off tomorrow to decide the winner of the group.
Japan created a championship record yesterday scoring 21 goals against Sri Lanka after thrashing Singapore 15-0 in their opening league match.
Korea have also comprehensively won their two matches, 15-0 against Sri lanka and 9-1 against Singapore.
The three-time champions would be looking to remain on the psychological high by maintaining their cent per cent record before the semi-finals while Japan will only need a draw to take the top spot on better goal difference.
Meanwhile, the two minnows, Sri Lanka and Singapore, would also get a chance to regain some pride as they face off with each other.
None of the teams was ever expected to challenge the might of their superior opponents in the Group and hence must be looking forward to atleast win this last league match and open their account on the points table.
While Singapore have scored one goal, the island nation is yet to register their name on the scoresheet.
Your opinion counts.
Rate this article or enter your comments below.
|
