What a Holi !!! India between Pakistan 4-1. Pakistan’s main weapon Sohail Abbas, the drag flick king of the world was not very effective and luck too did not side with them. A couple of shots hit the post. There were many heroes in the Indian camp. The defenders and midfielders simply played an awesome game by keeping the ball in possession in the first half, which helped India dictate terms. And when the time to drive the point home came, Sandeep Singh showed why he is feared by most goalkeepers in the world. He slammed home two penalty corners, his scorching flicks giving the Pakistan goalkeeper no chance.
From the various news items I read I see that,
* The Indian players were relentless in their bid to keep the Pakistanis away from the ball. They dived, they lunged, endlessly, tirelessly. It was fascinating to watch India play possession hockey. No wonder, they were 2-0 up at the end of the first half as Pakistan hardly got a good look at India’s goal.
* A word for India’s Spanish coach Jose Brasa. His use of the rotational substitution was terrific. Rarely has one seen players come in and go out with such frequency. This also speaks for India’s bench strength. All 16 are good enough to battle with the best.
