We got one result, now for the next

There8217;s a definite sense of relief after the result. Our main objective today was to be in the play-off for the bronze medal, and we ha...

There8217;s a definite sense of relief after the result. Our main objective today was to be in the play-off for the bronze medal, and we have managed to do that.

Having said that, I admit there are still areas of concern for the team. We missde some easy scoring chances which, if taken, would have given us a comprehensive win. Conversely, had we not managed to get the penalty stroke, the match could even have ended in a loss 8212; that, to be honest, would have been a disaster.

Losing to New Zealand in this tournament would have been one of the biggest setbacks for Indian hockey. We8217;ve lost to them before but here the teams are going from strength to strength.

The strikers today missed chances but they did manage to penetrate the opposition defence to enter their shooting circle, something that we haven8217;t done much throughout the tournament. What let us down was the absence of that final killer strike. But I don8217;t think we did badly to not win today; the result is finally what matters.

The boys do regret the missed chances but are more than happy with the result. It keeps them in the medal race, having finished among the top four at the tournament. Though a win would have definitely been a better result, it was difficult to motivate the boys to continue with the attacks after the equaliser.

The team was admittedly reluctant to go on the offensive, and did not want to take any chances, thereby risking giving away another goal. With less that 10 minutes remaining, the boys were more concerned with holding out for a draw than risk a loss by going for a win. But they are in top shape and eager for Sunday8217;s match.

Also, I am happy that two Asian teams are in the top four. It would have been good for the game in the subcontinent if either of us had been in the final. My only concern at the moment is Adrian8217;s injury. Though Devesh did well today, Adrian fits more perfectly in our scheme of things against Pakistan, and his loss will definitely affect our performance. Now just keeping my fingers crossed for Sunday.