Friends, this is one of the most scintillating hockey I have seen for a while. If you did not watch this game yesterday and you get to see the replay somewhere, please, please watch it.
Both teams have been trading 5th and 6th place ranking for a while. In the Commonwealth Games, they drew as recently as in 2022. Both teams stated that “attack” is their main strategy. Both coaches said that “defense” will win them a game (for “attack” as a strategy). Everything came true exactly as expected. There were opportunities literally showering cats and dogs in every minute of the game. Both teams were ready to take risks and exposed their goals. Both goalkeepers had some of the outstanding saves. Entire squad of both teams went up and down. For example, Indian defenders Harmanpreet and Amit Rohidas were hanging out in opponent areas more than defending Indian goal. England attacked from both flanks with very high speed. Hardik penetrated through the open space at center. I literally gasped with some spectacular feeders by Harmanpreet to the attacker in the penalty circle. Too many incidents, too many flashes of unbelievable skills, too much high speed running with the ball.. but no score.
Defense by both teams was even more spectacular. (I am really running short of words and overusing words like “spectacular”, “amazing”, oh well, such was the game!). Bottom-line, I was happy to see this game as a hockey fan and disappointed for not winning the game as an India fan.
I observed that unlike Germany, both these teams ran up and down and completely screwed my spatial analytical assumptions of branding players as defenders, midfielders and forwards. I will be watching the next India game in the stadium. Hopefully, I gain some insight.
I also observed that India (and other teams as well) as a team suddenly loses a focus at a stretch for 5-7 min. I do not understand team psychology. If any of you have comments on this topic, please let me know.
Ps: Credit to International Hockey Federation for the attached photo
