Indian hockey team coach Roelant Oltmans was a happy man after his side coasted to a 9-0 victory over China in the preliminary league outing of the fourth Asian Champions Trophy here on Tuesday.
“Any coach will be pleased with his team scoring nine goals,” said Oltmans as he prepared for tomorrow’s crucial fixture against hosts Malaysia, who are the other main contenders for the top spot in the round-robin league standings.
India have secured 10 points from four matches, while Malaysia are on nine points through three successive victories.
Hosts Malaysia will have one match against South Korea left after India finish their preliminary league fixtures on Wednesday.
“We know that the game against Malaysia will be a tough one. Playing Malaysia in Malaysia is a serious match for any side,” said Oltmans, promising that his players will go out charging for a victory that would secure them the top berth in the league standings.
The semifinal line up will be known only after the league matches finish on Thursday.
“We always try and assess the strength and weakness in the opposing team’s game and try to exploit the weakness within our ability,” said Oltmans.