Having failed to secure a direct entry to next year’s World Cup after six losses on the trot in the European leg of FIH Pro League, India are now hoping to end their campaign on a high with victories against Belgium in their last two matches. The Indian men’s hockey team will take on world No.3 Belgium on Saturday and Sunday.
As a result of these consecutive losses, India has slipped from third to eighth position in the nine-team standings. The Pro League winner will automatically qualify for the World Cup. India had not fared so badly during the European leg, but conceding late goals under pressure did them in. Their opponents scored most of the winners in the last 13 quarter of the match.
While Harmanpreet has been defending well, Amit Rohidas and Sumit need to do a lot more to support goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak. The Indian forward line also needs to do a lot of homework to convert their chances. India’s dismal penalty corner conversion rate is a cause for concern for chief coach Craig Fulton, although Harmanpreet scored a few of them.
Women hockey players are also struggling despite their fast-paced attacking hockey with sharp passes, having suffered four consecutive losses so far in London. Their penalty corner conversions leave a lot to be desired. They are also pitted against Belgium in back-to-back matches on Saturday and Sunday. The team is placed seventh in the nine-team standings.
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