In a battle between the second-highest-ranked team of the tournament and the second-lowest, the result was hardly in any doubt. But Salima Tete-led India took their time in their opener at the Asian Champions Trophy in Rajgir, Bihar before eventually prevail 4-0 over Malaysia, thanks to a solid second-half showing.
Coming into the tournament, head coach Harendra Singh had stressed on the need to improve the fitness and endurance levels of the team while also being smarter in front of goal. But the first half was frustrating for the hosts in that regard, just managing one goal that came courtesy Sangita Kumari in the 8th minute. However, when the match ended, the young forward from Simdega had scored another, and there were reasons to smile.
Two goals in two minutes at the end of the third quarter for Preeti Dubey and Udita ensured there wasn’t an upset on the cards. And Sangita applied the finishing touch in the 55th minute.
While Harendra has made it clear he wants his team to be set up with an attack-first mentality, after the match he praised the defence.
“First thing was the clean sheet. Also, in the tournament’s first game, I could see that we took a little time to settle into the speed of the match,” the head coach told the media after the match. “After half time, I am proud that the girls executed what we discussed. We created a lot of chances in the first half. We should have done better with those, looking for the second post more and getting more clinical, and could have scored more goals.”
The first clear-cut chance of the match, however, fell to Malaysia. Nur Mohammed was through on goal from a loopy deflected pass, but facing Savita Punia 1-vs-1, couldn’t find the shot past her. Credit to the former India captain for rushing out of her line early. That was a key moment in the match as an early goal for the Malaysians would have put the hosts on the backfoot.
Penalty corner conversion has been a perennial area of concern for the Indian team, and even on Monday night, they struggled for large parts to get it right. But the final picture didn’t make for too bad a reading as three of their four goals came from set-piece situations (out of 11 penalty corners won). In the 8th minute, Sangita came up with a poacher’s finish after Deepika – the primary drag-flicker in the side – adjusted well to a PC routine that didn’t work out, to keep the ball in play and fire in a pass to the far post. That extra second she took to make the right decision is what Harendra wants to see more of.
Late blitz
Thereafter, the Indians endured 35 frustrating minutes of trying to break down the Malaysian defence, before they hit twice in as many minutes, both from PC situations. First, Navneet Kaur found Preeti Dubey – who had worked all night, hitting the post once and firing straight at the goalkeeper on another occasion – managed to get on the scoresheet with an acute deflection. Then came a direct hit on goal from Udita that flew past goalkeeper Siti Nasir.
But perhaps the most pleasing goal of the night for India would have been the fourth one. Deep from India’s half, defender Ishika Chaudhary lifted her head to scan what was in front of her, and spotted Sangita in a good position. She hit a long through ball towards the forward, but it was a bouncing pass that needed quick and precise control. Sangita managed to receive it in her stride and her first touch was brilliant to open up space between two Malaysian defenders just outside the circle. The 22-year-old then dribbled forward and unleashed a sharp reverse-hit finish.
“It’s not about working more on finishing,” Harendra said later. “They have often chosen the right skill, the only thing is that they need to be patient. The ball has to be on the stick at the right moment, especially when it is bouncing, that is when we missed being clinical around the cage. That happens when they rush their play, I believe emotional control is important there to create more goals.”
Asked about his half-time chat, Harendra said: “Just play simple, don’t take the pressure. Enjoy the moment. I feel our players think a lot about the outcomes, that mentality we can change. I feel like they understood in the second half that it is important to be present in the moment.”
Tougher tests await, and better performances would be needed, especially to beat China who thrashed Thailand 15-0 earlier in the day. While the eventual outcome doesn’t reflect the dominance India had on the night, it’s a good start to a fresh cycle.
They play South Korea on Tuesday. The Koreans had a 2-2 draw with Japan in their opening encounter.
Coming into the tournament, head coach Harendra Singh had stressed on the need to improve the fitness and endurance levels of the team while also being smarter in front of goal. (Credit: Hockey India) 
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