India's best ever performance after its sole world cup win in 1975 was the team finishing fifth in the next edition of the world cup in 1981-82 in Bombay. Since then, India has never even managed to enter the last eight stage.
However, 36 years later, India stands on the cusp of making history at home once again. It has reached the quarterfinals in the ongoing edition of the FIH Men's Hockey World Cup in Bhubaneswar. The team will have to beat Holland to proceed further.
In terms of rankings, there is not much of a difference between the two teams—Holland is ranked no. 4 while the hosts are just behind them in the fifth position. But then, Holland comes with an impressive history in world cup while India has never beaten Netherlands in the history of the world cup. In the six meetings at the quadrennial event so far, the three-time world champions have defeated India five times while one match ended in a draw. History beckons India and that is what is on everybody's mind.
Nonetheless, to go by head coach Harendra Singh's words, “lets live in the present”. The present is a different story altogether. The last time the two teams faced each other in the Champions Trophy earlier this year, it ended in a 1-1 draw.
Speaking to reporters at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar ahead of Thursday's quarterfinal encounter, Singh exuded confidence in his wards coming up with the required result. “Indian team is mentally, physically ready (for the challenge). We have done our homework on Dutch aggression. Whatever challenge they throw, we are ready to solve that, not just accept it.”
The team has had five days to prepare for the match—the gap Singh assured would not impact the team in terms of momentum. “Whatever we have prepared for years, we won't do anything different. There are some minor adjustments (we will make). They love to play attacking hockey, so do India. It is an equal contest. In tomorrow's match, you can't afford to miss even 25 per cent chances, either score or get a PC (penalty corner). From 1971 to 2018, their base of hockey is penalty corners. We can't ignore that. India is ready to solve that challenge. What is the best way to defend a PC? No PC,” Singh said.
The match is expected to be a fast attacking encounter with both the teams aiming for goal-spree. Both the teams have scored heavily in the initial stages with the Dutch pumping in 18 goals and conceding 5. India, meanwhile, has scored 12 goals and conceded three.
Indian skipper Manpreet Singh promised an attractive, attacking fare from the team. “The team has improved, especially since Harry sir has come. We are playing attacking hockey. We want to change history. The focus is that we don't leave out even the 50:50 chances,” he said.
There has been some mind games as well with the Dutch coach being asked about the vociferous and massive home support for the hosts. “This will not be the first time. We have played in front of big crows in pool games and in the past as well. We are used to playing in front of big crowds,” coach Max Caldas said dismissively. “We always try to play in our own pace, whether it is fast or slow. We like to dictate. We are not concerned about India because we can’t influence what India will do.”
Singh, meanwhile, said the crowd backing will be the team's extra support. “I think they are forgetting that whenever the crowd is behind us, it becomes 12th man, extra energy. As a coach I like that. There is no chance that opponents can easily sit on the back. I think it is not pressure, it is your thought how you enjoy it.”
Indeed, it was apt that the team's most experienced player P.R. Sreejesh has the last word. Sounding relaxed and positive about the all-important, do-or-die encounter on Thursday, the talismanic goalkeeper said, “The best way is to concentrate on your game and not worry about the opponents. Rather than worrying about what will happen, it is time for us to think what we are good at. It is a matter of performing on the field. Focus on basics.”
