It was disheartening to see the Indians miss out on a podium finish yet again. Moreso due to the fact that we failed to consolidate on that big win in the last league game against Pakistan. As memories of Cologne — where too we had lost the bronze medal playoff to Pakistan — come rushing in, so does a sinking feeling. Once again it has been proved that in modern hockey the head plays a more important part than the heart. When Pakistan entered the field today, they seemed haunted by the huge loss on Friday. Still in a state of shock, they were overawed by the Indians who moved beautifully and attacked at will. Sadly, though, our boys’ percentage of conversion in the circle was pathetic. With the opposition subdued we had the perfect opportunity to nip their hopes in the bud. The forwards changed flanks, attacked in short bursts but on reaching the striking circle we froze. The fact that we didn’t get a single penalty corner all through the game and scored just twice in the first half is a clear indication of our poor finishing skills. The forwards, to some extent, can be pardoned. The blame for this heartbreaking loss rests more with the backline. The biggest blunder we committed was via the unimaginative play by our right backs. At times there were up to five Pakistan players who managed sorties from their left. Despite this heavy pressure, the right backs indulged in needless stickwork. Instead of changing the flank and forcing the game on the right, they retained possession and invariably lost the ball. The outcome: two goals in the second half which finally proved decisive. Besides, the Indians seemed too casual in the second half after taking the 2-1 lead. Slow moves, casual play, careless trapping and a general sense of complacency seemed to have drifted into our play. These things seem small but can prove costly in a match, as it did today. Though it sounds cliched, the lesson we learnt today is that we continue to lack consistency. By playing just one great match in a tournament we should never dream of getting gold medals or becoming world champions. We really need to learn this fast in view of the Olympics’ qualifers in March 2004. I say this because I am well aware that the pressure of playing Olympics’ qualifers is much more than at the Champions Trophy. Fancy skills and emotional victories can’t take us anywhere there. This Champions Trophy proved that we are in the top four in the world, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Modern hockey is too competitive. There are chances that even the teams that were not here can surprise any of the top four finishers. The most striking thing for me at this Champions Trophy was the urgent need for India and Pakistan to get their act together. It has once again been proved that the Asian sides are often found wanting against teams like Holland and Australia. We need to develop a style of play which is a combination of the Asian and European styles. And if we can back this up with solid backroom planning and high-tech coaching, maybe a day will come when India and Pakistan may be fighting for the gold and not the bronze like they did today.
