New Delhi: India and France will fight it out in the men's hockey Olympic qualifiers on Tuesday to go clear on top after the two teams enjoyed a rest day on Monday having won both their matches comfortably so far.
Essentially, India's quest for an Olympic comeback begins now. The hosts have played two of the weakest teams in the tournament so far, as suggested by the scoreline of 15-1 against Singapore and 8-1 against Italy. But the eight-time Olympic gold medallists can't expect another goal-fest against France who will be high on confidence with a tough win over Poland (2-1) and a stroll against tournament's punching bag Singapore (9-0).
While India's attacking display has been heartening so far, it hasn't hidden the frailties that can cost dear in close games. Coach Michael Nobbs admitted finishing wasn't up to mark against Singapore, having entered the striking circle 56 times and scoring on just 15 of those moves. Same was the case in the second half against Italy when India could have got at least three more goals, prompting Nobbs to say the team isn't peaking yet.
"This is not our peak. We have to peak at the right time. Two difficult matches are coming up against France and Poland. We have to take one match at a time," Nobbs said after the game against Italy on Sunday.
The two goals India have conceded so far resulted from a lapse in the defence that has been India's bane for some time now. While Sandeep's three short-corner conversions against Italy were heartening, he almost gifted Italy a PC that cost India a goal. The team can ill-afford such slip-ups towards the business end of the qualifiers.
Indian women will also be in action on Tuesday after getting back on track with a win over Canada (4-1) in their second match after the disappointment of a draw against Ukraine (1-1) in the opener. They face Poland next, who are winless so far having lost to South Africa (2-1) and Italy (4-1).
After the success against Canada, skipper Asunta Lakra said the team has recovered from the setback against Ukraine. "We don't live in the past. The girls were determined not to commit mistakes and we did exactly that," she said.
Losing possession in the defence has been a problem for the Indian women but the forwards showed signs of finding their feet against Canada by striking four goals.
While the Indian men currently share the top spot with France at six points, the women are joint second in the standings with Italy at four points.
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