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Singapore International Hockey Challange


chanakya

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The leagues saw India pitted against arch rivals Pakistan and minnows Hong Kong. With 6 teams in the fray there were only two groups. With the toppers of both groups playing the finals each and hence every match was important. While Australia cruised though their group of Singapore and Malaysia the real battle lay in the other group. Honk Kong were the unlucky ones to draw up against India and Pakistan. On the best of days they are a bad outfit and when the rivals are as accomplished as India and Pakistan were they stood absolutely no chance. First up India who pulverized then 11-0. If that was bad Pakistan came out all cylinders firing and the massacre was even worse. 14-0 to Pakistan read the final scoreline. And this after Pakistan had noticeably slacked off in the second half. So on Saturday if was the face of between India and Pakistan. Pakistan needing a draw to go through to the finals, India needing a win. The average age of the Indian squad was below 18, much less than the stipulated under 21 for the tournament. Good practice for the team that is most likely to represent India in the Junior World Cup in 2009 (Under 19). Pakistan were put under pressure from the first minute. Quick start , a penalty corner and converted within the first minute of the game. If that was good even better was to follow. Relentless attacks by Pakistan trying to equalize was followed by brilliant counter attacks by India. In the end a breathtaking display of skill meant India went up 2-0. With a few minutes left of the first Half Pakistan was pushed into further oblivion as India scored again and the score read 3-0 going into the half time. Second half and the game changed on its head. After showing complete aggression in the first half India went on the defensive to try and protect its lead while Pakistan fought like they always do when they are cornered(against India anyway). Waves and waves of attacks broke their back against a solid Indian defense and as the clock ticked Pakistan slipped further and further into gloom. With less than 9 minutes left the Indian defense faltered for the first time and Pakistan scored of a penalty corner. And then came the moment of the match. An fierce hit into the Indian D saw a diving Pakistani forward deflect the ball into the Indian net and with 5 minutes left of the match it was game on. While we counted the seconds Pakistan attacked with spirit which had seemed gone just 5 minuted before. They came close to squaring it but the Indian defense stood firm. Flying bodies and then it was over. India had won. the score showed 3-2 but it did not reflect the amazing aggression shown by the Indians in the first half or the quality of subcontinental hockey on display. Finals against Australia on Sunday. Compared to the semis this was a dour game with both teams on the defensive with not wanting to loose rather than wanting to win. Also on display were the two types of hockey being played. Indians who relied on superior dribbling skills and deft touches while Australia relied on brute force and speed. Till half time there was little to choose from both sides as with Australia being a bit ahead because of its speed which however was counter acted brilliantly by the Indian defense. Just before Half time India brought in a change and the young surd was awesome. Dribbling his way though three Aussie defenders he nearly made it to their goal. However the half time score read 0-0. Second half India started badly with Australia showing of its speed and power. The action changed from left field to right field in seconds and more than once the Indians were caught wrong footed. A goal looked in the offing for Australia but against the tide of play a great pass and run by the Indian forwards resulted in a penalty corner. A mis hit stroke followed by a gem of a flick saw India go into the lead. The stands erupted but the joy was short lived as Australia equalized within the minute. A bit of laxity after the scoring the goal the Aussies made India pay. Score 1-1. After that it was attrition all the way. Both teams coming close but not close enough. Flying bodies and lost sticks were in plenty as the players grew tired. With the game into injury time and the last play in action India faltered again. Believing that the game was going into extra time the intensity dipped for just that minor second and Australia capitalized. A long pass from one corner of the Indian side to the center just above the Indian saw a lone Aussie running from the center field intercept and then outfox the lone defender and shoot at the goal. The keeper who had come forward got his glove to the ball and tipped it up. But heart break was in store for the Indian team as the ball just slipped under the bar and into the goal. Australia had scored and in the dying moments of the game to snatch victory. All in all it was some great hockey on display. However old Indian faults were still on display. While any Aussies rarely had the ball for more than 5 seconds and preferred to pass it to their teammate Indians preferred to dribble. They usually out foxed one-two and sometimes even three but when there are four Aussies converging on you, you will loose the ball ultimately. Also there was no plan B. It was long pass in the air from one end of the field to another(which got intercepted 49 times out of 50) or dribble your way up. A lack of strategy cost the Indian team dear. Aussies were more focussed and had plans which they executed perfectly, taking advantage of the letdown in intensity of the team. However it must be said Australia were the far better team and deserving winners of the trophy.

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