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A superior-ranked team can possibly approach a match in one of the following two ways.
Attacking from the word go and scoring a flurry of goals even before the opposition has time to react is one such way. This snuffs the fight out of the opposition early following which there is always a chance to add to the tally with occasional counter-attacks.
The second is to exhibit calm solidity and engage in retaining midfield possession with the supreme confidence that the opposition will make mistakes sooner rather than later. This is possible when it is backed up by the knowledge that the strikers can penetrate the opposition circle at will, with no requirement for desperation.
India unable to dominate proceedings early
Tenth-ranked India started out against 22nd ranked Malaysia in the Commonwealth Games 2018, looking to outplay their lesser-fancied rivals with a barrage of attacks in the opening minutes and managed to score in the sixth minute with Gurjit Kaur's drag flick finding the mark.
When Malaysia launched a counter-offensive following the opening goal, however, India seemed to lose their way as if unsure of whether to attack or sit back with a one-goal lead.
The second quarter saw some scrappy midfield play with both teams lacking imagination in the other's circle and India went into half-time hanging on to the one-goal lead.
India found the net early in the second half, but the goal was disallowed with the ball having found an Indian player's foot in the circle.
India, then, had a narrow escape as Malaysia earned a penalty stroke thanks to a clumsy challenge by the Indian defence, however, the replay resulting from a referral concluded that the ball had found the foot of a Malaysian player. The Indians heaved a sigh of relief but it wasn't for long, as Malaysia converted off their second PC with the scoreline reading 1-1.
Malaysia relaxed a wee bit following the equalizer and paid the price as Gurjit Kaur found the net a second time. Repeated attacks by the Malaysians following the goal were thwarted by India but the defence looked vulnerable with their inabilty to make interceptions at crucial stages.
In the final quarter, Malaysia seemed to lose their rhythm with a couple of injuries adding to their woes. In the final five minutes, India scored twice to seal the deal, but the win was hard fought and not a true thrashing that the 4-1 scoreline seems to suggest.
Can India challenge mighty England?
"I am never satisfied whatever the game is. There is always room for improvement." said coach Harendra Singh while interacting with Sportskeeda after the match.
It would be fair to say that the Indians are piecing their best game together, albeit slowly with their performance today being far superior to the one against Wales yesterday.
Gurjit Kaur came good with the PCs and the attacks were well-coordinated, but India still has some distance to cover to be capable of challenging the top teams and ending with a podium finish at Gold Coast.
Coach Harendra Singh concurs and this is what he had to say, "I agree yesterday day was not our day. Our PC conversation rate was poor, but I think today we were much better and had a decent conversion rate. But consistency has to be there."
The players have a day to rest and recuperate before a much sterner test awaits them in the form of England. At 0500 IST (0930 local time), on Sunday, Harendra Singh's squad will have to be at their absolute best to challenge the second-best team in the world.
How should they approach the match? "Just keep things simple. Don’t try to play what England want," Singh opined.
The Indian players will do well to pay heed to these words of wisdom from the coach as they approach their toughest test yet.
Which areas does the team need to work on? "I think it’s not any (particular) area. We are there, but taking the first step before the opponent takes it is what is required. We need to play disciplined hockey against these teams," said Harendra Singh.
