Despite attack, a step forward

Today was one of the better performances from the Indian team. Though they lost the match, the Indians did their best to defend and they wer...

Today was one of the better performances from the Indian team. Though they lost the match, the Indians did their best to defend and they were quite successful in their efforts.

The fact that Australia were unable to score till the 65th minute, despite more than 20 penetrations inside the Indian circle, speaks volumes about the Indian defence. What eventually decided the match in Australia8217;s favour was the lack of confidence and belief in the Indians whle taking on a strong opponent.

This was evident from the fact that every pass that the Indians intercepted in the first 20 minutes went back to the Aussies within a few seconds, which was down to their lack of confidence in holding on to the ball and wariness in risk-taking. And in a contest against teams like Australia, ball posession and accurate passing become all important.

Harpal Singh and Dilip Tirkey were very good. India managed to tackle the opponents without any fouls 8212; at least eight times by Harpal and nine by Dilip 8212; in one-on-one situations. But when it mattered, the midfield again was not present at all.

While Vikram Pillay on the right was sorely missed, the hard work that Viren Rasquinha puts in in midfield was also absent. Both Bimal Lakra and Ignace Tirkey have been good in patches but they need to be more consistent to do justice to their actual potential.

Ignace has to decide whether he wants to stick to his position or become the left linkman. Bimal, on the other hand, is a playmaker when he performs but being dropped at the last minute before big tournaments 8212; the Sydney and Athens Olympics, to name two 8212; can shatter the confidence of even the best. He needs to come out of that.

While it was the best match for India in terms of defence, the forwards failed again to create and convert chances. For the first time in the tournament, there was an aggressive approach visible in the players. They were going one step ahead of the opponents and trying to disturb their rhythm, but failed to capitalise on the chances that finally did come their way.

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India next play Malaysia for the 5-6 spot. This is a good opportunity for India to prove that the loss in the league stage to the hosts was a fluke. But the only way to counter the hardworking Malaysians is through determination and discipline. All the other teams have managed to spring surprises in the tournament. This is India8217;s chance to do the same.