Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, May 4: After a high-intense draw against Japan Sunday, India will now aim for a strong performance in the second encounter of the four-match Test series at the Kalinga Stadium here Tuesday.
The hosts will have to tackle Japan’s long passes as well as contain them in their half to create maximum goal-scoring opportunities. In the penalty corner department, the home team is more efficient than the visitors, with the presence of specialists like VR Raghunath, Birendra Lakra and skipper Sardar Singh. Japan, on the other hand, could not materialise a single penalty corner Sunday and they found it difficult to surpass goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
“We didn’t play well yesterday (Sunday) and faced strong challenges from the Japan side. As I told you earlier, don’t see the ranking, they are a very good Asian team, who plays European style speedy hockey,” India coach Paul van Ass said after the practice session Monday. “We didn’t play as per our expectations in the first half and conceded the goal. But we came back after the half-time.”
Japan’s coach Keonwook Kang wasn’t happy with the result of the first match. “Though we secured a draw, we are not satisfied with our performance. We need to improve in various areas. We have a good defence but we need to work harder on our attack,” he said.
