Homework done, India set for final test

The importance of doing one8217;s homework was evident in India8217;s 2-1 win over New Zealand today, a win which took them to the final of this tournament, where they meet Australia.

At the end of the hard-fought victory, coach MK Kaushik acknowledged the importance of the preparations. 8216;8216;We have been visiting New Zealand for training-cum competition. The girls read team were given lessons to counter the Kiwis moves.8217;8217;

By sticking to the Asian style of play 8212; short passes and tight zonal defence 8212; India were able to counter the Kiwi moves of long passes and attacking hockey.

Nor did India show any signs of slacking off over the 70 minutes, even as they marked their rivals closely and covered the ground with lightning speed. The transformation even surprised the Kiwis, a physically stronger lot. And when they were denied access to the striking circle, frustration made them more error-prone. Sanggai Chanu converted the fifth penalty corner earned in the 50th minute. And before New Zealand could recover, Saba Anjum had slammed the ball home in a goalmouth melee. Eventually New Zealand did respond and reduced the margin through Honor Dillon. But it was too little, too late.