HWL FINAL

Sad, India couldn't take on Olympic champs in better conditions

sv-sunil-ind-arg-hwl India's S.V. Sunil in action against Argentina during their semi final match at the Hockey World League Final

It could have gone either way. But what will never come back in a HWL semi final is this opportunity to play the Olympic champions Argentina in what should have been pitch-perfect hockey conditions. The fears had settled in the moment it started drizzling early morning at Bhubaneswar. That drizzle became heavy rain while the Netherlands took on England in a 5th/8th position battle. Still the hope, despite the weather bulletin saying rainfall would in fact increase, did not subside. The blue pitch looked dry under the lights but when the stadium staff started to drain off the water from the pitch, it was evident this match was now heavily dependent on a generous slice of luck. Other than that, it was simple maths―the lesser mistakes you commit, the more your chances of winning.

It was quite apparent that the ball was slow. You could hit powerfully, but the ball speed was killed and it reached the player in a bounce or two. India has openly said the tactical part is to simply rely on counters and ensure that the players in the side have speed and use the element of surprise as a weapon. But on a pitch of this kind, the match was reduced to just short of going through the motions.

Yes, the FIH rules clearly stipulate that even in the rain, a match can be allowed to continue. In a tournament that has been criticised for its format, especially that you might win all your pool matches but yet lose the quarter-finals, India advanced by beating the Olympic silver medalists. And what better opportunity than to meet the Olympic gold medal winners right after that. But the rains spoilt what could truly have been a fascinating face-off between one of the youngest teams in the fray, India, against the Olympic champions who still rely on a majority of 30 plus legs. Playing on a dry pitch gives you a combination of speed, thrills and excitement. But for a crowd that huddled under umbrellas, looking like extras in a Hollywood thriller, their moment of watching an Indian side increase pace against 30-somethings didn’t materialise.

Initially, the ball refused to go far, often ending up like a wet cracker that fizzles off before reaching a crescendo. India did try to rotate. But the passes didn’t reach teammates. Argentina was wary of the Indian attack; especially the pace of the attacks. So, in a way the water-logged turf came to Argentina’s rescue. It naturally slowed the game which the South Americans dominated in the first two quarters. They pushed knowing that an early goal would make India chase. And in these wet conditions, it’s difficult to get a grip on the stick.

For a team that applies subtle hockey with the nuances of good tactical ploys, it was tough to understand that a ‘great’ chance had gone through the window. Both the coaches had set up their respective teams. Argentina’s Carlos Retegui, a former player and the man widely instrumental in making the men’s team Olympic champions used the flanks and once in a while cut through the middle. India initially used the aerial route, but Argentina defended well. Then Marijne's men brought back the surprise as they chased the ball over a surface of water, literally. And then in the 17th minute, Argentina had their first PC of the match. Gonzalo Peillat’s flick was powerful and hit high into the corner of the net. Argentina led 1-0. Without much of a fuss, the Olympic champions had scored; a trait they are known for.

India chased the South Americans. At break, two quarters were left. Thirty minutes to get the team going and also score. India used the flanks, aerial balls, cut through the middle using Manpreet Singh, and also stretched the Argentine defence on the sides in the hope that it would break.

Say what you will about the South Americans, they are in a zone where beating them is like the Democrats hoping Donald Trump would be impeached. There were moments again where India was so, so close in getting that equaliser. The crowd, all braving the rains, roared, cheered, shouted, did all that was in their power. But minutes and then seconds ticked away. The last quarter was like India had decided to camp there. Six to seven attacks happened. India desperately wanted a penalty corners. They had thrown away two in the earlier quarters. The ball was turned around, forwards switched positions, the midfield moved up and forced the Argentine defenders to raise their levels.

“Today's match, I am not going to watch again as I do always,” said Marijne. “The circumstances are different. I would really like to play Argentina in normal circumstances and see if we are good enough to beat them. In these circumstances, they were better. Then, I would really know where the team is.”

Ironically, the drizzle slowed down as the match got over. It’s not about India beating Argentina. It’s about taking on the Olympic champions and proving to yourself that you have the game, power and skill to beat back the world number 1 team.

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