The Hindu : Expectations high from Indian team

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 24, 2002

Sport

Sport - Hockey

Expectations high from Indian team
S. Thyagarajan

Indian captain Baljit Singh Dhillon (hands raised) leads the team at a limbering up session on the eve of the 10th hockey World Cup at Kuala Lumpur on Saturday. - Photo: Vino John

KUALA LUMPUR, FEB. 23. Launched in 1971 amidst apprehensions of hockey remaining as a discipline in the Olympics, the World Cup has coursed through an incandescent phase of development, whose depth, dynamics and dimensions presents a pleasant panorama and perspective that cannot easily be ignored. Constituting a shining mosaic of system, style, science and strategy, competitive hockey today is as global as any major spectator sport, in its range and reach.

Now with the 10th edition scheduled to start at Bukit Jalil on Sunday it is difficult to remain unaffected by the vicissitudes. From Barcelona, where it all began in 1971, every World Cup has enhanced the whole aspect of competition. Substantial alterations to rules, systematisation in coaching and techniques, necessitated by synthetic pitches, phenomenal growth and innovations in equipment and colourful vests, have all introduced a new milieu of vibrancy.

Not only should this second Malaysian venture - the first was in 1975 - be studied against the backdrop of the structured growth but also in the significant alteration to the format. When the FIH awarded the event, it was for a 16-team pattern of four pools in two stages. This mode was followed at the qualifying event in Edinburgh. But the Malaysian authorities convinced the FIH of the flaws that might affect spectator response in the 4 x 4 version. For the first time, there is an enlarged list of 16 in two pools. The previous highest was 14 in Buenos Aires in 1978.

Grouping eight is enormously stressful. True, the FIH agreed to allow 18 players, but pressure is bound to be high to play nine matches in 13 days. This experiment is transient as FIH has decided to revert to 12 teams in future.

The focus inevitably will be on defending champion, the Netherlands, whose three triumphs in 1973, '90 and '98, coupled with Olympic gold in 1996 and 2000 make it a formidable component. Few countries enjoy such a cornucopia of talent as the Dutch. With a perfect system in place, the flow of new faces is a note of envy to others. Coach Joost Beelaart may not have the luxury of a Jacques Brinkmann in the mid-field, or a Stephen Veen in attack, but the presence of penalty flicker Bram Lomans, strikers Taekema, Teun de Nooijer and Ramco van Wijk can give the opponent a testing time. However, the pre-tournament result - a third place in Champions Trophy at Rotterdam - is a dent on Holland's prestige.

It is pity that Germany despite eight continuous semifinal appearances since 1973 has not held the trophy. But the ruthless efficiency with which it overwhelmed the opposition in the Sultan Azlan Shah as also the Champions Trophy makes it a favourite. Bernhard Peters is believed to have worked wonders with his players under the fearsome penalty corner hitter, Florian Kunz, who is bound to thrive on the experience of such stalwarts as Michael Green, Christian Mayerhofer, Bjorn Michel and Oliver Domke.

The unpredictable Pakistan, has played six finals, winning four ('71, '78, '82, '94), the last in Sydney, and losing two ('75 to India at Kuala Lumpur and '90 to Holland at Lahore). Buoyed by its win in the recent six nation meet last month, it is a squad that is brilliant to watch. Shabaz Ahmed's magic is back even if it exposes the frailty of finding a substitute. At 35, how much steam is left in him is an interesting question. But one astute pass, or a dodge, by this inimitable stylist can change the course of a match. Combined with the lethal strike of Sohail Abbas, the opportunism of Taushif Jawaad and Atif Bashir, Pakistan is a threat beyond doubt.

Of the four left in pool A, Argentina has a one-man demolition squad in Jorge Lombi, with support from Mario Almeida. Inconsistent after the last edition Spain can be safely left out of prediction now. The enigma is South Africa, for which Mike Cullen, Greg Nicol, helped by a hard-working mid-field headed by Craig Jackson, can cause an embarrassment to leading outfits. Notwithstanding the utility value of Ryan Archbald and Umesh Parag, the Kiwis are unlikely to make an impact. Belgium, back in the fray after 1994, should work doubly hard for points.

The assessment about Pool B is that two among Australia, South Korea and India will be in the last four. This is based on recent record. Under new coach, Barry Dancer, Australia is an experienced side, with a strong mid-field headed by Brent Livermore and Paul Gaudoin. In the absence of a striking win anywhere recently, Australia is vulnerable to sustained pressure. South Korea has to prove its stature after a last place showing in the Champions Trophy. Its trump is Seung Tae Song.

As winner here in 1975, India enjoys special attention. Rarely in recent years has the team been subjected to such microscopic evaluation as the 18 under coach, Cedric D'Souza, who is handling the squad for the second time after Sydney 1994. In terms of collective experience India has few equals with Dhanraj Pillay figuring in his fourth World Cup.

The Indians are also upbeat with triumphs in the Junior World Cup at Hobart and in the Champions Challenge at the same venue in December. India is not under pressure to make it the Champions Trophy from this World Cup; assured and with less pressure on that score, India is expected to play a free and flowing game.

If Baljit Dhillon, Deepak Thakur, Dhanraj Pillay and Sabu Varkey symbolise the strength of the attack, Thirumalvalavan, Sukhbir Gill and Baljit Saini represent the solidity of the mid-field, assisted in the other layer by the seasoned Dilip Tirkey and Lazarus Barla. A lot rests on goal- keeper Jude Menezes, whose athleticism and adeptness are the key. The Indians have ventured to perfect the penalty corner set pieces but the efficacy must be reflected here.

The pools: A: Netherlands (holder), Pakistan, Germany, South Africa, Argentina, Spain, New Zealand, Belgium. B: Australia, South Korea, England, India, Poland, Japan, Cuba and Malaysia.

Sunday's matches: Cuba v Korea (IST 5-35 a.m.P-2), England v Poland (5-35 a.m.); Pakistan v South Africa (1-35 p.m.P-2), Belgium v Spain (1-35 p.m.); Germany v Argentina (3-35 p.m.P-2), Netherlands v New Zealand (4-05 p.m.); India v Japan (5-35 p.m.P2), and Malaysia v Australia (6-05 p.m.).

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