It’s going to be a test of character for the Indian junior team on Tuesday as only a win against Korea will ensure their passage to the quarterfinals of the Hero Hockey Junior World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here.
Both India and Korea are on three points after two games. Netherlands have already sealed their last eight berth having defeated both these teams in the Pool C and they are yet to play Canada, who have lost both of their previous encounters against the Koreans and the Indians.
The Koreans are on a slightly comfortable position as even a draw in their third game will be enough for them to reach last eight stage on better goal difference.
Gregg Clark-coached Indians lost against Netherlands 2-3 in their first game and in the second game they registered a struggling 3-2 win over Canada.
Though, despite the loss, the performance against the superior Dutch side was good, their struggle against the 17th ranked Canada must have given the Indian team management a lot to think about before the crucial tie against Korea.
The nimble-footed Koreans are known for their quick moves and agility. Their senior side is the best in Asia at the moment.
For Manpreet Singh-led India, their strikers, Akashdeep Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Mandeep Singh, Malak Singh and Talwinder Singh hold the key. They have managed to create good chances inside the circle but they were short on accuracy and finishing. Similarly, the defenders and mid-fielders can’t afford to allow early goals like it has been the case in the first two matches.
“I’ve full confidence that the boys will do well in the next match against Korea like they did in the last match against Canada. Statistically we did lot of right movements like circle entry and created a lot of chances in the opposite end of the field. The Koreans are a good side; they have consistently performed well in the tournament. The match will be difficult but we have confidence in ourselves,” Clark said ahead of the match on Monday.
“Our experience shows that the team gets comfortable with environment as the tournament progresses and performs better with every match. We’ll definitely put our best show (against Korea),” he insisted.
Clark also pointed out that the team will take confidence from the fact that they had defeated the Korean side 6-1 in the Sultan of Johor Cup in September.