 |
|
India's women's hockey team, buoyed by two consecutive victories in the Asian Champions Trophy, is looking to refine its game against Thailand on Thursday. While they have secured wins against Malaysia and South Korea, the team aims to improve their performance in terms of goal conversion and decision-making within the opposition circle. Despite creating numerous scoring chances, India has been criticized for rushing and failing to capitalize on opportunities. Chief coach Harendra Singh acknowledged the team's shortcomings, emphasizing the need for a thorough analysis and improvement in the finer points of the game.
The upcoming match against Thailand holds significant importance for India's semifinal prospects. A convincing victory could solidify their place in the semifinals, paving the way for crucial encounters against China and Japan. India currently sits second in the points table, boasting a superior goal difference compared to Japan and Korea, but trailing behind China by a considerable margin. A decisive win against Thailand would bolster their position and boost their confidence heading into the remaining matches.
While India's forward line has been productive, with Sangita Kumari and Deepika contributing three goals each, the team's poor penalty corner conversion rate remains a concern. Despite earning multiple penalty corners, they have struggled to utilize them effectively. Coach Harendra Singh highlighted the need for improvement in this area, acknowledging the team's inability to capitalize on set pieces. Despite these challenges, India's performance in the tournament has been promising, with a number of players showcasing their talent and potential. The upcoming match against Thailand provides an opportunity for the team to demonstrate its growth and refine its game before facing stronger opponents in China and Japan.
Source: ACT women’s hockey: India look to work on finer points against Thailand