Tags:
Journalism of Courage
A perfect trap,a sudden burst of speed,quick stick work to wrong-foot the opponent followed by a low,diving,angular shot from the top of the circle that beat the goalkeeper. This stunning 8th minute strike by Indias forward Anupa Barla not only put India ahead in their opening match of the Lal Bahadur Shastri 4-nation junior womens hockey tournament,that they eventually won 3-2,but also asserted their superiority over the taller and tougher rivals from New Zealand.
The overwhelming physical supremacy of the Kiwi girls was there to see as the two teams stood together for the national anthem. But once the match started,the Indian girls proved that size didnt quite matter in case one is blessed with sharp skills. Barlas opening goal just reasserted that fact.
The Indian attacking line kept up the pressure as they ran around the much-stronger junior Black Sticks squad.
At the same time,the Indian defence held firm as they didnt commit too many fouls and concede penalty corners. Its a young team,a new team and we practiced for only a month,so I am satisfied with the game today. But there is a lot more to be done and if given enough exposure,this team can mould into a strong unit by the 2013 junior World Cup, said India coach Col. BK Subramani.
What stood out was the fact that there was no attempt made by the Indians to indulge in fancy stickwork as the kept the game simple and concentrating on moving forward.
New Zealand managed to level the score through Sian Fremaux in the 12th minute but India regained the lead almost immediately,Anju Dhiman scoring off a penalty corner Indias second,having wasted the first in the 2nd minute.
For those who were present in the stands,it was an exciting,open game that could go either way,with both teams allowing enough space to attack. Post the break,the New Zealand girls came out much stronger and were eager for a fightback.
They won a series of penalty corners and Tara Hall managed to finally score off one of them in the 43rd minute to level scores. The match increased in pace and intensity with both teams going all out for a win. Traditionally,the last five minutes see Indian teams falter,running on empty and handing over the advantage to the opposition. On Tuesday,however,it was different. The Indian team,suddenly,seemed to step on the gas and there were no signs of fatigue. The Kiwis seemed surprised as well,and a series of penalty corners this time for India 8211; resulted in Poonam scoring the winner two minutes from time.
Wednesday could be different,though,when India take on formidable Australia. In the other match of the day,Germany got the better of favourites Australia 3-1.
Rebecca Grote put the Germans ahead in the 3rd minute itself and maintained the lead till the 41st minute,when Australia leveled through Hayley Padget. The goal pulled Germany out of their comfort zone to go ahead through Marilena Kraub three minutes later. Lisa-Marie Kiem rounded the tally in the final seconds of the match.
Wednesdays matches: Germany vs New Zealand 1 pm,India vs Australia 3 pm
