Sunday, Sep 08, 2002
Sunday, Sep 08, 2002 |
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Hockey
By S. Thyagarajan
As the 24th edition enters the recess of history on Sunday with the final set of matches, it is not difficult to visualise what is in store for the aficionados here and also to the millions of viewers on the small screen — especially for those in the sub-continent and Middle East. That the glittering trophy will remain in Europe for another year is an accepted fact now. But whether it is to change hands from Germany, the reigning champion and also the World titleholder, to the Olympic Champion, The Netherlands, is a poser that cannot be answered with a degree of affirmation. The contest between these two super powers in the game has never been predictable, and there is little that separates them as far as skill, style and strategies are concerned. A mistake or two determines the winner. But if the opinion is slanted towards Holland regaining the trophy after two years — the last on the home turf in Amstelveen in 2000 — this optimism stems from the superlative performance against the traditional rival on Friday. Never in recent years, had the Germans been conquered in such a fashion. Admittedly, the Dutch have shown marked improvement from the struggle they waged against India in the opening game to snatch a point. Holland looks more balanced in every layer. And what more, the top stars are in splendid nick. With the attack led by the indefatigable Teun di Nooijer, supported by brilliant striker Ronald Brouwer and served well in the mid-field by Eric Jazet and Jerome Delmee, the Dutch can surprise the rival at anytime in the match. Holland has two lethal strikers in penalty corners — Bram Lomans and Taeke Taekema — and both have performed remarkably well so far. Given the home ground ambience and the determination to succeed when pushed to the corner will ensure a stiff fight to retain the trophy. Needless to say, coach Bernhard Peters has to spend considerable amount of midnight oil (electricity in modern times?) to rework the tactics to match that of the effusive and loquacious Dutch mastermind, Joost Belaart. What increases the excitement for the final day is definitely the second India-Pakistan clash in four days. From the first day when it almost closed in on Holland, the Indians have surprised many by their approach, adeptness and athleticism. Figuring in the competition after six years after having qualified in the Champions Challenge, India has gained significantly in the event so far to stay for one more year in the elite group. Another intense tie with the Pakistanis is bound to provide an exhilarating fare. India's last back-to-back win against Pakistan came in 1988 at the Marshalls Cup final in Nairobi. India won comprehensively on the opening day and succeeded in forcing Pakistan to the tie breaker in which goal-keeper Mark Patterson, now a resident in Perth, played a remarkable role saving no less than three strokes. Sunday's matches: (5-6 places): Australia v Korea (1 p.m. IST); (3-4) India v Pakistan (3-30 p.m.); Final: Germany v Holland (6-30 p.m).
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