Need to capitalise on chances against Australia: India hockey team captain Sardar Singh

India’s hockey team captain Sardar Singh

India take on Australia in their final match of Pool A at the Hockey World League (HWL) semi-final. Captain Sardar Singh and coach Paul van Ass highlighted the need of the team to make more of the chances they create in the match against the World No. 1 team.

India drew 2-2 against Pakistan in their last league match, but missed a few easy chances. Sardar said that although the team stuck to its plan against their arch-rivals, they should have made more of the chances created.

“While, in our game against Pakistan we stuck to our plan what comes out clearly is that we have to capitalize on the opportunities,” said the 28-year old.

Having won their first two matches and drawing the third, Sardar called for the team to keep the momentum going. He said that Australia have a good defence and India need to be quick to break through.

“For tomorrow, we have to ensure that we take the all important passes and score the goals. Australia has a very good defence and hence we have to be quick in breaking their defence chain.”

Van Ass calls for an improvement in performance

The coach Van Ass, although happy with the way his team played against Pakistan, called for an improvement in performance against the hockeyroos and wants his team to make more of the chances they create.

“The boys showcased good skilful hockey yesterday against Pakistan and for tomorrow they have to step it up. They have to create and convert the penalty corners. Also when they attack the D they have to capitalise on the chances that they create,” said Van Ass.

“What was missing yesterday was that we missed on the vital passes which would have helped us to score. The boys understand this and they know they have to work on this immediately,” he admitted.

India play Australia on 28^th June at 7.30 pm.