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Hockey
By S. Thyagarajan
Australia 4 Pakistan 4 Netherlands 4 India 3
So often have we seen this happen to the Indian team, slipping from the pedestal after displaying authority, adeptness and a touch of aesthetics. This was one more afternoon when what looked like an incredible conquest of the Olympic champion after a goalless first half turned sour in the end. That the opening day should produce such a devastating experience to the sub-continental teams — Pakistan drew with Australia after leading 4-2 in the opening match with the last goal coming from an extended penalty corner — underlines the temperamental gap that exist between the tactically superior combinations, whose never-say-die approach often triumph, over sheer skill and hardwork. Strong mid-field play in which Bimal Lakra supported commendably by Dilip Tirkey almost closed the door for the Dutch attack, notwithstanding the repeated incursions into the area by Di Nooijer and occasional thrust from Klaver. For long spells, India was content to probing the rival area. Dhanraj, expectedly, was well marked and he too did not show any urgency to break the shackles. Gagan Ajit was subdued and so was Prabhjot Singh. Though the Dutch attack worked furiously at times the resistance by the defence, where Baljit Singh Saini played a valuable role, did not give enough room for the forwards. The confidence exuded by Saini in some tackles inside the circle drew approbation. With the clock turning non-functional — there was even a re-start of the match — it was not easy to note the time remaining. And that kept the Indians in the dark about the time left in the match. The Dutch could count themselves unlucky in the early minutes. For, a thundering shot by Bram Lomans crashed against the upright. But the second penalty corner taken, in his impeccable style, by Taeke Taekema was stopped brilliantly by goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan. India had to wait fairly long for the first penalty corner. There too luck was not in favour. Jugraj's shot crashed against the cross-piece and bounced into play. But in the second half, India seized the advantage and slotted in three goals, each a gem by any reckoning. A marvellously struck penalty corner by Jugraj Singh hoisted the lead and midway through Dhanraj Pillay set up a splendid pass for Deepak Thakur. As though these exquisite goals were not enough, Gagan Ajit Singh and Deepak Thakur combined effectively with the former netting the third. There was little to suggest such a fightback from the Dutch. The defence held firm and goalkeeper Devesh Chauhan frustrated the efforts of Bram Lomans and Taeke Takema. Actually, the Dutch forced six penalty corners against the five by the Indians. What annoyed many was the way in which the Indians were questioning every ruling from the English umpire, Stephen Brooks, who finally flourished the yellow card at Dhanraj Pillay when the team surrounded him in an apparent argument over the third goal by the Dutch. Rob Reckers began the recovery work for the Dutch with a quick backhander that beat the defence, and minutes later Taeke Taekema drove in a penalty corner. The Dutch were dancing in delight at the prospect of a draw and when Floris Evers accomplished that, the joy in the stands was clearly visible. But none was prepared for the match winner for the Dutch but Ronald Blouwer put in that splendid effort to give the victory a memorable touch.
Dramatic start
Even a soothsayer would not have predicted such a dramatic start to the Champions Trophy. What else can it be with Australia, trailing 2-3 at half-time and 2-4 with only seven minutes from the hooter coming back to level 4-4 from a penalty corner taken outside of the regulation time to share points with Pakistan. The outcome really set the tone and tenor for the prestigious event at the Wagener Stadium. Neither team would get a high rating for the quality on display. But the excitement lay in the manner in which the Aussies fought back to make a match of it. Loose defence play, especially in the dying minutes pushed Pakistan almost to disaster. Unusually phlegmatic, the Aussies struggled to find their touch. It was Pakistan that held the advantage almost throughout the first half, thanks to the early goal that Mudassar Ali struck off a pass from Shabir Hussain. When Sohail Abbas pumped in the second goal in his inimitable style, a blinder of a flick that left goalkeeper Mark Hickmann bewildered, it looked as though the Aussies were being swept of their feet. The Aussie attack was anything but consistent what with the mid-field, despite the presence of Grant Livermore and Paul Gaudoin, struggling. Only midway through did the Aussies begin to show streaks of cohesion, which was mirrored in the way in which Grant Schubert combined with Adam Commens to hit the target. But the lead increased again with Sohail producing a scorcher to the roof of the goal and Troy Elder returned the compliment with a superb flick. Pakistan was more intent on hanging on to the lead and began defending the slender margin. Though the defence came under pressure from the quick sallies by Craig Victory and Nathan Eglington, it held on gamely. A few good saves by Ahmed Alam kept danger in abeyance, but not long enough when Khalid Salim slotted in the fourth off Mudassar Ali. Any thought of the Aussies were sinking into the slope of defeat was nullified by the beautiful goal that Dean Butler scored. A perfect pass from the fringes of the 25-yard line by Troy Elder helped McCann deflect the ball to Dean Butler to provide the finishing touches. When 40 seconds remained to the hooter, Australia earned a penalty corner, and Grant Schubert gave the contest what can be acknowledged as a truly pulsating finish. Sunday's matches (all times IST): Pakistan v Argentina (4 p.m.), Australia v Netherlands (6-30 p.m.); India v Germany (8-30 p.m.).
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