FIH Series Finals | Our level was not that good against Poland, says Manpreet Singh
Hockey India
Indian skipper Manpreet Singh has stated that the Indian team’s level of hockey was not that good against Poland in their second game of the ongoing FIH Series Finals. After beating Russia by a huge margin of 10-0 goals in the first game, India defeated Poland 3-1 in their second match on Friday.
India were firm favourites when they took on Poland in their second game of the FIH Series Finals. However, the game was different for the hosts with Poland creating some real chances in the first few minutes and also earning the first PC of the match. India took the lead in the 21st minute but the visitors also managed to equalise very soon in the 25th minute. However, with two more goals, the Men in Blue managed to register a 3-1 win against Poland.
Indian skipper Manpreet admitted at the post-match press conference that the Indian players’ performance level was not that good against the Polish unit in the second game.
“Our level was not that good today. Our basics and finishing were not up to the mark. There were a few chances for us in the beginning and we missed those. Poland got a chance and scored. They had also got the first PC. I think we have to work hard on the basics and our finishing, Manpreet admitted. Â
Among the goal-scorers for the Indian side, Manpreet had scored the first two. It was rare for Manpreet whose playing position is in the midfield. He was seen running up front and creating chances inside the D with some good passing in the forward line as well. However, he denied having any specific plan to play up front in the game.
“Actually, there were no changes, we played according to the plan. I got a couple of chances when I can go up and can play the ball in the forward line. Mostly we all are changeable in the midfield. Sometimes I go up and sometimes I stay in defence. That’s quite normal actually, the midfielder explained.
The world no. 21 Poland had started off their campaign really well on Thursday as they had managed to beat Uzbekistan by 4-0 goals. Although they were no match for the Indians having lost to the Manpreet-led team 10-0 at the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, Poland still put up a decent show to hold the Indians only for three goals this evening. Poland’s Piotr Kozlowski is very happy with the team’s performance in the game against the top-ranked side of the competition.Â
“It was a very tough match. India is one of the best teams in the world. We lost this match but I’m very happy for my teammates and for my team because we worked very hard and scored one goal. I’m proud of my team. It was key for this game to work very hard in defence, if possible looking for counter-attacks and getting penalty corners. It was very tough for us but we learnt a lot from this match. We feel good and we’re waiting for the next match against Russia,” Kozlowski stated.
