After a dream start to the tournament, the real challenge now begins for India at the Hockey Men’s Junior World Cup. The hosts have enjoyed three straight wins. They have kept a clean sheet. They have scored a massive 29 goals. But all of that now counts for little as they enter the knockout stage.
On Friday night, at the Mayor Radhakrishnan Hockey Stadium, India take on a strong and disciplined Belgian side in the quarterfinals. Before the tournament, chief coach PR Sreejesh had made it clear that the real battle would begin in the knockouts. His words are now proving true.
India dominated the league stage in the rain-hit matches in Chennai and Madurai. The Rohit Yadav-led team scored freely against weaker opponents. But their final group match against Switzerland exposed a few weaknesses. The defence looked shaky at times. Simple errors led to penalty corners. Sloppy interceptions and five-metre violations gave the Swiss easy chances.
The backline, which was not tested much earlier, suddenly came under pressure. Rohit Yadav, Amir Ali, and Talem Priyobarta will have a tough job against Belgium’s sharp attack. Goalkeepers Prince Deep Singh and Bikramjit Singh will also be crucial. They played a key role in keeping the clean sheet earlier.
Indian hockey team strategises to Attack Strong with Discipline Against Belgium
Up front, India have looked very dangerous. Dilraj Singh, the team’s top scorer with six goals, has been outstanding. Arshdeep Singh and Manmeet Singh have also been in fine form. But against Belgium, they must be quicker on the counter and more disciplined inside the circle.
Sreejesh did not hide his concern after the Swiss match. “I think that match was a good wake up call for us. In the quarterfinals, we must be on our toes.”
Belgium finished second in Pool D behind Spain. They have already scored 22 goals in the tournament. History, however, is on India’s side. India beat Belgium 2-1 in the 2016 final in Lucknow to win the title. In 2021, they defeated them 1-0 in the quarterfinals in Bhubaneswar.
Now, another big test awaits.
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