HOCKEY WORLD CUP

Beware of Argentina

            The Indians play their final game, a play-off for the seventh position against Argentina. The latter is a team that has always troubled India. and the main reason for this is that they play a brand of hockey that is quite similar to India.Like India, the Argentinas play open hockey, and they showcase their skill and fitness by creating a lot of space for their manoeuvres. However, India to have a champions Trophy berth, it does improve their ranking from 12th to 7th - a significant jump.

                 Like India, Argentina too has issues in defence, but also possesses the power to confound the Indian defence because they are very adept at cross running. recently, these two teams met at the Azian Shah tournament. In a preliminary match they beat India 5-3, and three of the goals capitalized on an open defence. Apart from these skills, Argentina is also good at converting penalty coners, and the weak link is their defence. They play physical hockey, but their main problem is that like India they don't have a system of tight marking.

         Without bringing sentiment into it. India must feel that they performed reasonably well, but were victims of inconsistency. Gurbaj singh was the only player who was consistently good through the tournament. Shivendra Singh was also adequate in the games he played. Thought he lacks height and physique, he is a good opportunist and gave evidence of the potential he has.