Image credit: Hockey India
All India needed was a win to reach the World Cup semifinals for the first time since the inaugural edition in 1974. On one hand, India had five players with more than 200 international appearances. On the other, there were 11 World Cup debutants, including two teenagers.
Before the tournament, he had said, “The most important thing is that they play for the same flag. About a year ago, when the Indian women’s hockey team returned from the Asia Cup after losing to China in the final, nobody knew what lay in store. They were no longer in the Pro League. As many as nine players were injured, including Deepika Sehrawat. To make matters worse, there were reports of mistrust and disharmony within the camp. But it was not to be. India conceded just five goals in five matches and played out three draws against China, England and Australia — all higherranked teams. They did not panic, communicated well and were literally willing to put their bodies on the line on the field. The reports of groupism, internal rivalries and regional divides seemed a thing of the past. the experienced ones provided structure, balance and stability While the younger players brought speed and energy. Despite the positives, India struggled to score, and eventually that hurt them the most. They scored two goals against China and another six against South Africa. That was all they could muster. They failed to score in their next three matches. Even against Australia, India created opportunities but simply could not finish them. With a win needed to reach the semifinals and Australia playing some excellent hockey, India seemed to lose some of their composure towards the end. Marijne admitted after the match that nerves had gotten the better of his side. The misplaced passes, failed traps and inability to finish from in front of goal were difficult to accept, especially considering how well India had played until then. But the lack of regular exposure to the very best teams has its disadvantages, and that may have played a part.
This team was a far cry from the one last year, and once again, the credit should go to Marijne. Australia held on for a goalless draw to finish second in the pool, while Marijne’s side will now play for fifth and sixth place on Thursday.