India captain Harmanpreet Singh is happy that his team can maintain composure despite committing mistakes against strong opponents in the FIH Pro League, but said one area where they need to work is to avoid getting cards.
The Indian men’s hockey team put up a spectacular performance in the Pro League last week to beat New Zealand 7-4 and then beat Spain 3-1 in a shootout at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Harmanpreet, who led India in the tournament, insisting that there are still some areas where the team can improve while preparing for the upcoming World The Cup will be held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from January 13 next year.
“The team’s efforts in these matches have been good but we can avoid getting the cards. Because if we lose even one player on the field, everyone has to run twice,” he said in a release issued by Hockey India (HI).
“If we are small we give training on how to make our formation and structure. So, despite getting the cards, we were able to defend well. But still, it is important for us to avoid taking cards.”
Surendra Kumar and Manpreet Singh got green cards in the 14th and 21st minutes respectively during the second match against Spain.
The Indian drag-flicker said that the team can draw confidence from the fact that they were able to hold their nerves in pressure situations against stronger teams.
“It is good that we are making mistakes in these matches so that we can learn and improve as we move towards the World Cup. We are still able to settle in spite of errors and not lose our temper.
“It definitely helps us build trust in each other and improve the team,” he added.
India and Spain, who are in Pool D along with Wales and England in the World Cup, will take on each other in their opening match on January 13.
“When you look at the match, it was a high-intensity competition. Both the teams fought till the end. Spain is in our World Cup pool match so playing against them will help us go into the tournament.
“He is also teaching us and we are also getting a chance to analyze him and take stock of his strength before the tournament. We will work on our shortcomings and improve upon making clean baseline tackles,” he signed off.
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