India eyeing outright win against S Africa to seal semifinal berth
31 July 2014 6:08 AM IST
High on confidence after the spirited showing against Australia, the Indian men’s hockey team would look to win outright against South Africa in their final group match on Thursday, even though a draw is enough to seal their semifinal spot in the 20th Commonwealth Games. Going into on Thursday’s crucial match, both India and South Africa have six points from two wins apiece but the Sardar Singh-led side occupy the second position behind Australia in Group A on account of better goal difference.
Last edition’s silver medallist India has a goal difference of plus four as against South Africa’s zero, and the Terry Walsh’s boys are fully aware that a draw would be more than enough for them to make it to the knockout stage of the quadrennial event.
The Indians would be high on confidence ahead of on Thursday’s duel, especially after their impressive performance against regning CWG gold medallist and world champions Australia. India put up a valiant fight before going down 2-4 against mighty Australia, who blanked them 0-8 in the final of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
While the forward line and midfield have so far managed to produce satisfactory result in the tournament, it is the fragile backline which remains a cause of concern for India.
While Rupinder Pal Singh has been a little shaky in defence, there is no doubting his ability with penalty corners. He has so far scored four goals in the tournament, all coming from short corners and India would be hoping for similar showing from the lanky dragflicker.
Last edition’s silver medallist India has a goal difference of plus four as against South Africa’s zero, and the Terry Walsh’s boys are fully aware that a draw would be more than enough for them to make it to the knockout stage of the quadrennial event.
The Indians would be high on confidence ahead of on Thursday’s duel, especially after their impressive performance against regning CWG gold medallist and world champions Australia. India put up a valiant fight before going down 2-4 against mighty Australia, who blanked them 0-8 in the final of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.
While the forward line and midfield have so far managed to produce satisfactory result in the tournament, it is the fragile backline which remains a cause of concern for India.
While Rupinder Pal Singh has been a little shaky in defence, there is no doubting his ability with penalty corners. He has so far scored four goals in the tournament, all coming from short corners and India would be hoping for similar showing from the lanky dragflicker.
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