Forget Friday, the match that matters is today

The opportunity the Aussies have graciously provided us should be grabbed with both hands. Playing Pakistan instead of a European side could well be to our benefit; we play the same style of hockey and, having played and beaten them comprehensively on Friday, we should be more confident than they are at the moment.

Having played five matches now, the Indians will be aware of their potential, their level of competence, the fact that they can play hard till the end and finish matches off, their killer instinct, their circle-penetration skills and the simple tactic of throwing the opposition defence off by using fake runs down the flanks.

From the match against Pakistan, we have learnt that there’s no way we can win in today’s modern hockey unless we play till the end.

But at the same time, we need to be a lot more cautious tomorrow. When we beat them 7-4, we had nothing to lose; tomorrow, there’s a medal at stake. We can’t go into the game without having rectified our first-half mistakes. Not only did they score four goals, they missed at least four more open chances.

To win, we have to start the game with the rhythm we discovered after their fourth goal.

First, Yugraj Singh has to start in the right-half position and Baljit Singh Dhillon needs to be trusted as a gamemaker. Dhillon always had the ability, but not the confidence. His skill with the stick and ability to get past the opposition defence with sudden bursts of speed have to be utilised more. We haven’t seen a lot of Tejbir Singh recently, but using him on Friday was a masterstroke. We need to persist with him. And continue with our successful four-pronged attack.

Our defence has to come together once more, especially down the left flank. Their left is the stronger side, and it was rather effective even on Friday. We have to block that route.

More importantly, we have to allow them less penalty corners. Sohail Abbas couldn’t deliver on Friday and looked totally overawed by the situation, but he is a proven champion. We can’t allow him chances and hope he fails; he probably won’t.

Significantly, when he does take his powerful drag flicks, we can’t risk Jugraj Singh as the blocker. It’s scary, and our star could injure himself seriously if we don’t protect him. It’s important to play a powerful game but it is equally important to come out of the match with the lesser number of casualties. I have no doubt that India will emerge victorious tomorrow. But if they show signs of a hangover from Friday’s win, things could go horribly wrong. An India-Pakistan game could be anybody’s and that’s how it’s been since before my playing days.

The team that comes in with the intention of dominating proceedings and capitalises on the opportunities will win. We haven’t lost to Pakistan in Holland in over 30 years now and I’m sure the record can be maintained. We have to ensure that we go in with a proper strategy to counter them because, trust me, they will also come out tomorrow with their careers at stake.