India look to upset Germany in play-off
17 Jan 2014 5:48 AM IST
Going into the clash, the Indians can take heart from their drawn pool match against the same team. India squandered a two-goal lead against world champions Australia to suffer a 2-7 hammering in the quarterfinal of the eight-nation tournament on Wednesday. Much to the surprise of Australia, India took a two-goal lead in the first 15 minutes of the opening half through Birendra Lakra (6th minute) and Yuvraj Walmiki (11th minute). But the Australians showed tremendous fighting spirit to score three goals in the opening period and four more after the breather.
Germany too have not had the best of outings in the tournament so far, losing 1-2 against Netherlands in another quarterfinal on Wednesday. Germany had finished second in Pool A with one win, one draw and a loss.And come Friday, India would hope to take inspiration from their morale-boosting 3-3 draw in the pool stages against Germany to pull out a win which has so far eluded them in the tournament.
Contrary to the final result against Australia Wednesday, it was India who dominated the early share of exchanges with some sharp moves.The Indians looked a superior side at least in the first 20 minutes of the game. The midfield and forwardline coordinated well to create numerous scoring opportunities and trouble the Australian defence.
‘Fitness major difference’
New Delhi: India coach Terry Walsh said physical fitness was the major difference between India and Australia as the hosts surrendered meekly after making a bright start to their quarterfinal match.
Walsh said after the early domination India ‘ran into a wall’ as far physiology was concerned. ‘It was a very positive start. Australia were disintegrated in the first 20 minutes but physiologically we ran into a wall. Australia were much more stronger and powerful than us. Australia are physically much more superior than us,’ Walsh said at the post match press conference.
‘It was will take time, probably 9-10 months, to get to that position. You can’t expect to match Australia physically overnight. Walsh said despite the eventual result he was happy with his team’s performance in the match. I am happy with the way we cut through their midfield.But our skill level deteriorated as the match progressed. We did run out of steam and our defensive organisation lost its shape,’ he said.
Germany too have not had the best of outings in the tournament so far, losing 1-2 against Netherlands in another quarterfinal on Wednesday. Germany had finished second in Pool A with one win, one draw and a loss.And come Friday, India would hope to take inspiration from their morale-boosting 3-3 draw in the pool stages against Germany to pull out a win which has so far eluded them in the tournament.
Contrary to the final result against Australia Wednesday, it was India who dominated the early share of exchanges with some sharp moves.The Indians looked a superior side at least in the first 20 minutes of the game. The midfield and forwardline coordinated well to create numerous scoring opportunities and trouble the Australian defence.
‘Fitness major difference’
New Delhi: India coach Terry Walsh said physical fitness was the major difference between India and Australia as the hosts surrendered meekly after making a bright start to their quarterfinal match.
Walsh said after the early domination India ‘ran into a wall’ as far physiology was concerned. ‘It was a very positive start. Australia were disintegrated in the first 20 minutes but physiologically we ran into a wall. Australia were much more stronger and powerful than us. Australia are physically much more superior than us,’ Walsh said at the post match press conference.
‘It was will take time, probably 9-10 months, to get to that position. You can’t expect to match Australia physically overnight. Walsh said despite the eventual result he was happy with his team’s performance in the match. I am happy with the way we cut through their midfield.But our skill level deteriorated as the match progressed. We did run out of steam and our defensive organisation lost its shape,’ he said.
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