World Cup elimination threat looms large for India

By S. Thyagarajan

EDINBURGH, JULY 26. Reflecting on what rolled into history in the two phases of the World Cup hockey qualifier here wraps the analyst in an emotional melange. Eventful in every sense of the term, the competition, heading to a climax this week-end, clearly confirmed the benefits of globalisation, which has narrowed down the dividing line between the elite and the rest.

So much of science and effort have gone into preparing the squads by seasoned and academic coaches that no one combination can be identified as weak or taken for granted. The metamorphosis is stunning, in more ways than one.

Sadly, however, comes the fact that a major power as India is tottering on the verge of elimination from the World Cup. One more win in the two remaining matches may see India through to the top seven qualifiers but the manner in which the team coursed in the competition has been pathetic.

It is incomprehensible why a squad, headed by a coach having the right credentials as Cedric D'Souza, should struggle from day one. Some observers believe the team is not motivated, over- trained and jaded. Perhaps, there is a trace of logic in this assessment; for, the tours of Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand and the four-nation competition a week earlier at Milton Keynes have taken a heavy toll of the players' energy. Added to this is the punishing schedule of training.

Miserable has been the work of the frontline, including skipper Baljit Singh Dhillon. There is none with the stickwork to penetrate and cause confusion in the rival circle in the manner of a Dhanraj Pillay or even one in the calibre of a Deepak Thakur.

The whole approach has been negative, too much of back passing being indulged in in the name of ball possession. Neither individually nor collectively could the Indian attack dominate, and the whole aspect is accentuated by the elimination of positional play.

Much was expected of Prabhjot Singh and Daljit Singh Dhillon but neither was consistent. The substitutes like Samir Dad and Brojen Singh, even Gagan Ajit Singh, were mere passengers, so much so a linkman like Arjun Halappa had to be played upfront, sometimes assisted by Bipin Fernandes.

Non-existent mid-field

The mid-field strength, touted as the key in Cedric's scheme of things, proved a myth. True, the injury to Lazarus Barla, who had to be sent back home with a hairline fracture of the finger after the opening match against New Zealand, has proved a big handicap, but the lack of consistency has caused a great deal of harm.

Even seasoned players like Baljit Saini and Thirumal conceded too much. Minus Bimal Lakra, none has passed the test, at least so far in this tournament. The same is the case of Kanwalpreet Singh, who is yet to graduate for a claim in the national squad. Dropping a veteran like Dinesh Nayak is proving a costly error of judgement.

Goal-keeping by Jude Menezes and Devesh Chauhan was anything but inspiring. Why Jude lost that touch of assurance is difficult to understand. Devesh Chauhan was a bundle of nerves against Poland, and the two goals he conceded could have been blocked even by a club-level keeper in Europe.

With nothing going right for the team, the fear of the worst - missing the World Cup at Kuala Lumpur - looms large. Even if the team makes it eventually, it will be take a long time to erase the humiliation suffered after coming into the competition as the favourite.

Back home people must wonder whether the qualifier was the right place to field an experimental squad.

Friday's matches: Wales v Chile (2-30 p.m.); Scotland v France (5 p.m.); Russia v US (5-30 p.m.); Semifinal: Spain v Poland (7-30 p.m.); Bangladesh v Egypt (8-30 p.m.); Semifinal: Argentina v Belgium (9-30 p.m.).

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