Need for IHF to structure a uniform format

GOALKEEPER JUDE’S PERFORMANCE: He was sure and extremely confident. My only suggestion to him is to watch the goals that he conceded — I am sure that he will agree that this happened because he was caught on the run. Otherwise he saved the day many a time especially from the penalty corner drag flicks. In my opinion his bestmatch was against Spain.

DILIP TIRKEY AND DINESH NAYAK: Both played well and specialmention must be made for their sound tackling, speed and recovery indefence, and not giving away too many penalty corners. Theircomposure in operating the defence permitted our wing halves toattack and support the strikers — thereby ensuring a healthy jointbetween defence and attack. For me, Tirkey had the edge and wasalso quite instrumental in scoring from penalty corners.

BALJIT SIANI: He was probably the best player on view. Competent indefensive duties and proficient in the attack especially whilst feeding the front-liners.

THIRUVALAVAN SELVARAJ: Thiru was really the spoiler and he did his job to a nicety — closing down and breaking the opposition midfielders assoon as they received the ball. He was also effective in the left halfposition when played there.

BALJIT DHILLON: His drag flicks really came good at the right time — he has been scoring consistently in the domestic circuit but has not beenas consistent internationally. He however did deliver goods at the right time – The Olympics. That he did not score from every flick is something we all must understand that it is not possible — no matter how hard he tried. Yes he did carry the ball many a time using his skill and speed, but where he really needs improvement is in the final release.

DHANRAJ PILLAY: His penalty corner charge out was what I wouldconsider his best contribution to the team. But having played more inthe midfield (due to his own fears of helping the defence or becausehe was supposed to do a Stephan Veen — where he would break through from the midfield, whatever there was less sting in our attack.

Having said this if there are no gaps created for him to break through then, every time he gets the ball, he will have to go through a host ofdefenders besides shaking his marker.

WITHOUT GOING INTO THE TECHNICALITIES OR TOO MUCH DEPTH, I WOULD SURMISE INDIA’S PERFORMANCE AS UNDER:

GAINS: The most positive and refreshing aspect was the charge out of the defence during the penalty corners. This was really good.

They kept their penalty corners attack simple by going through thedirect hit or the drag flick — that fortunately was quite beneficial. DRAWBACKS: Over indulgence and excessive carrying of the ball. Ball watching. Absence of a field communicator. Predictable attacking play. Similar mistakes being repeated. Insufficient tactics.

WHAT WE NEED TO LEARN FROM OTHER TEAMS?

Their aggressiveness, maintaining focus and composure, playing to a plan, tactical manouevre, analysing and rectifying mistakes, how/when to use power play and a never-say-die attitude are a few aspects that could be studied and put into our system.

Not having achieved our objective, I am sure there will be a lot of backlash.Some of it might be appropriate while some may not be justified. I just hope that those in power keep a cool and clear mind whilst taking remedial action by not letting their emotions or politics get the better of them. If not then this action will be an exercise in futility and will be more detrimental to our future hopes. I for one would be the happiest person if the IHF structures a uniform format both in coaching and administration that will be followed by every team in the country. I sincerely hope someone is listening. Only time will tell.