RANCHI: Indian coach Janneke Schopman couldn’t have hoped for a better showing from the team in the ongoing Asian Champions Trophy here after their heartbreaking semifinal loss at the Asian Games.
While they did well in the Thailand and Malaysia matches, it was particularly during the last two games — against China and Japan — that Savita & Co showed their true character. And they will hope to keep up the good work in their last group game against South Korea on Thursday, which once again will test their mettle.
Historically, the Indian team hasn’t had it easy against their Korean opponents and even in the recent Asian Games, played out a 1-1 draw. But India’s recent showing in Ranchi gives one the feeling that nothing is impossible for them.
The most impressive thing about their performance was how they have kept up the pressure on their opponents for most of the 60 minutes.
Speaking after the match against Japan, even Indian forward Navneet Kaur said it was the key reason for victory. “We have been able to keep up the pressure on our opponents which is our strength. We did the same thing against China and we hope to keep it up in the next match too,” said Navneet.
As Schopman said, it’s something that she has been talking about with the team for quite a while and it’s working at last.
“It’s all in the mindset. I have been talking with them a lot about how they have to be aggressive, have to be on the front foot, and finally, in this tournament, we have been doing it. Sometimes, they do need encouragement from the sidelines but yes, it’s a strength. We are good when we are on the front foot. We are not a team that wants to wait and sit, we are good when we are aggressive,” Schopman said on Tuesday.
Another area that has been remarkable is the way the team has defended as a unit, soaked up the pressure and forced the opponents to change their tactics midway.
Most importantly they have controlled the midfield brilliantly, which has put their opponents on the back foot. While the duo of Neha and Navneet have been at their creative best, the addition of Salima Tete in the middle has opened up even more goal-scoring opportunities. Tete not only scored one against China but she also made an assist during the Japan match which saw Navneet score a blinder.
Naturally, this performance has impressed one and all, including the South Korean coach. “India is a very strong team. Their scoring skills are very nice,” said Jin Soo Han on Tuesday.
“We, however, hope to play the same as the Asian Games. We changed five players in the squad from what it was during Asiad and brought some young players to prepare for the Olympics qualifiers,” he added.
While it will surely be another thrilling tie, there is one small area of concern for the Indian team. Many of the Indian players had tapes around their legs during the Japan match. One just wonders whether they will be able to play at the same level and whether the coach will risk it considering the Olympic qualifiers are in January.
