Indians good, Dutch better

Though the defeat against Holland in the semis must be disheartening for the Indians, the bigger disappointment was to have lost after playi...

Though the defeat against Holland in the semis must be disheartening for the Indians, the bigger disappointment was to have lost after playing their best game of the tournament. Failing to find their rhythm in their earlier matches, the Indians did get their act together but failed to sustain it for 70 minutes and lost 4-2.

The match fell into two parts. The first 50 minutes saw the Indians match the reigning Olympic champions in all departments; the last 20 minutes saw them paying the price for that exertion as Holland scored the winning goals. The Indians today showed a purpose in their play, launching attacks after patiently defending for the first 10 minutes and not relenting even after conceding the first goal. Star forwards Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur got support from Baljit Dhillon, Arjun Halappa and Bimal Lakra and this forward-midfield clique created pressure on the Dutch. Gagan struck from the top of the D to level the score but the Dutch snatched the lead once more before the break. India began the second half in attacking mode as they tied the score 2-2 after just seven minutes.

This goal was a gem, scored through a PC by Deepak Thakur, who deflected the ball into the Dutch goal from Dhillon8217;s pass after Dilip Tirkey8217;s superb dummy. The Dutch were taken completely by surprise.

However, having to chase the game for the last 20 minutes proved India8217;s undoing. In the last 10 minutes their defence fumbled and the team tumbled out of the main competition. The D factor was going to play an important role in this crucial match 8212; the Indians had conceded as many as six penalty-corners against the Dutch, 28 in all before this match. Significantly, the Dutch, after taking a two-goal lead, turned the game around, retaining ball possession in the final stages. India were virtually not allowed to look for a counter opportunity to comeback.

To make matters worse, the Indian messed up their defending of penalty-corners 8212; the Dutch struck twice from direct attempts taken by Taeke Taekama.

The Indian think-tank needed to think of a wall that could have unnerved the Dutch 8212; he had scored only two goals in five matches so far. The chronic problem with India8217;s performance is they don8217;t take mental notes about rival players.

The Indian team selection was right but for the inclusion of Baljit Saini in the midfield. Saini, who is the most experienced player in the midfield, has looked unfit, slow in anticipation and clearance but the chief coach has been persistent in including him in the team.

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Today against the Dutch the situation was such that Saini could have used his vast experience to help the team but he was mainly responsible for the third goal India conceded. Asked about Saini8217;s inclusion, chief coach Rajinder Singh said: 8216;8216;Saini has played in parts. He had injuries, but played well. I am satisfied.8217;8217;

When the Indian team returns home they will have to do some serious thinking about their team selection procedure 8212; the present selection process is whimsical. Dhanraj Pillay was dropped on fitness ground though he claimed to be fit, while players like Saini, Tejbir Singh and Daljit Singh Dhillon, whose fitness is suspect, were included.

The fact that team selection plays a crucial role can only be an understatement 8212; with Daljit and Saini in the team, actually India were playing this tournament with two players less.