Coach miffed with team, terms 6-4 win ‘horrible’

India coach AK Bansal was miffed despite India’s win against Belgium and said it was a “horrible win”. Bansal was upset with his team conceding three goals after leading 5-1 at half-time. “It is a horrible win,” Bansal said. “We had no business letting in so many goals in the second session… at one point it appeared we would lose the contest,” he said.

Bansal said the team should have continued attacking even after change of ends. “We knew any side in the same situation as Belgium was in would go all out for goals. Some of our players are experienced, they should have borne this basic fact in their mind in the second half. Our players in general, and forwards in particular, have to stand up and be counted. We should not lack in mental strength,” Bansal said.

Counting the positives

On the positives he said, “We required a win and the three points count for much.” Bansal complimented both Sandeep and Diwakar for ensuring a 100 per cent conversion of all four penalty corners in the match. “Both players were doubtful for this trip. Thankfully, they are here and you can see their worth,” Bansal said.

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Belgian coach Adam Commens agreed and said the Indian drag-flickers made the difference.

“Two of the penalty corner shots by India could not be sighted. Our goalkeeper dived the wrong way once. We did not play badly, but if the rival team converts all the penalty corners, that is our concern,” said the dejected coach. “We had better of exchanges, more circle penetration, but failed to win the match,” he rued.