Hockey World League semi-final: India's lack of aggression leaves Belgian coach surprised

Antwerp, Belgium: India women's team's reluctance to launch an all-out attack despite trailing in the opening encounter against the home team has left Belgian coach Pascal Kina surprised.
Belgian captain Lieselotte van Lindt scored the lone goal of the match in the 35th minute to help the hosts clinched a 1-0 win against the Indian eves.

"I would have expected India to go all out into the attack in the last quarter as they had a lot to lose in this match, but it did not happen," said Kina.

"I must say I was surprised by India not throwing everything into the attack. They were a goal down and would not have gained anything by the score-line staying that way," he added.

Belgium were a bit jittery ahead of the encounter, which was considered key to securing a spot in the 2016 Rio Olympics that will feature 12 teams.

A day after the winning the opening game against India, Belgium were still in celebration mood, aware that this win could go a long way in securing an entry into the Olympic Games.

Impressed by the skills of a few Indian players, Kina said Belgium played better as a unit.

"India have some very skillful players, and their captain Ritu Rani played an outstanding game. But collectively we played much better," said Kina.

Belgium's winning start should help them finish in the top three in Pool B, and thereby avert The Netherlands in the quarterfinals.

The race to the Olympic Games could whet down to the contest between India, placed No. 13 in the world rankings, and Belgium, who are one spot ahead at No. 12.

The preliminary group also features Australia (world No. 2) and New Zealand (world No. 4) and only a shock win against one of them could lift India's fortunes.

Three teams from each of the World League Semifinals are assured an entry to the Olympics, but some teams outside the semifinals could also qualify for the Olympics. The crucial factor in the World League is to secure an easy quarterfinal, and India have not helped their cause by losing the first match yesterday.

Kina seemed relieved that India allowed the Belgian defence to breathe easy in the closing stages, despite nearly equalising in the 36th minute, but a goal-line save by keeper Stephanie de Groof denied captain Ritu Rani.

Ritu's goal-bound flick on a penalty corner rebound from Belgium goalkeeper Aisling D'Hooghe, was saved by a diving attempt from De Groof, but India could not produce any other goal bearing move in the last quarter.

After a shaky first session, the Indian eves' game improved in the second half, and they managed to force a penalty corner in the 42nd minute also, but the set-piece was not executed well.