Olympic qualifier: Sandeep Singh's hat-trick guides India to 3rd win

Speed has been a revelation of the Indian side that has stunned everyone at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. Not just the spectators, even the French team was dumbfounded watching India’s speed and clinical approach on the turf as the hosts won by a convincing 6-2 margin on Tuesday.

Given the way India defeated a European team in speed and counterattack, coach Mike Nobbs deserves credit. He has put the team alongside the best in business. This bunch of players should be taken seriously for now, though one has to reserve judgment for the day India actually qualify for the London Olympics.

Taking no chance, India went on the attack mode from the word go and played most of the first half in France’s attacking circle. Shivendra Singh was the first one to break the French defence with a beautiful cross from Saravanjit Singh right at the top of the striking circle in the fourth minute. Then it was the turn of Sandeep to batter the opponents with his powerful and well-placed drag flicks. The French team did give one back to India in the dying seconds of the first half to finish at 3-1.

The second half was almost identical in scoreline but different in approach, with the Indians never missing any opportunity to push deeper into the French defence while counter-attacking.

The strategy paid off well as SV Sunil and Tushar Khandker also entered their names into the score-sheet. Sunil was, in fact, adjudged man of the match for his brilliant playmaking skills.
Nobbs called this victory on ‘expected lines’. “This was our clinical approach which took us home. We planned it like that and we executed in exact manner,” he said after India’s big win.
However, French skipper Amaud Becuwe was stunned by the Indian players’ fitness and approach throughout the match. “We couldn’t play the way we planned. But I must admit that I was surprised by the Indians’ speed during the match. They played fast and never gave us any chance. I am hopeful of winning our next matches and making it to the finals even now,” said the French skipper.

Nobbs, on the other hand, was not surprised by India’s new found fitness levels. “Is this not the way we always play?” he asked with a smile. But he too knew well that finally his overemphasis on fitness has paid off. India take on Canada on Wednesday.

Stopwatch

Men
Canada 15 bt Singapore 1
Poland 7 bt Italy 2
India 6 bt France 2

Women
Ukraine 5 bt Canada 2
SA 1 drew with Italy 1
India 3 bt Poland 0

Men
Canada 15 bt Singapore 1
Poland 7 bt Italy 2
India 6 bt France 2

Women
Ukraine 5 bt Canada 2
SA 1 drew with Italy 1
India 3 bt Poland 0