Hockey World Cup | Team India has set a trademark of playing attacking hockey, says Harendra Singh

“Belgium has been a good team since the last 4-5 years, with good circle penetration. But the Indian team has set a trademark of attacking hockey since last 4-5 months. We won’t compromise on that but have to take care of the midfield area. We have to make them run after the ball. They can’t score if we have the ball with us. Belgium hockey, after they trap is good and they play vertical hockey, don’t give parallel or back pass. Our players will take chances in the midfield. When a mistake happens, our team has to defend that,” Harendra said ahead of India’s second match, reported Scroll.

“We have to remember that we have also done good in the past. If we keep reminding ourselves of negative things, it’s not good. The match in Rotterdam, World League and the Champions Trophy, we did a lot of good things against them (Belgium). So that needs to be shown to the players, and the team is prepared accordingly. What bad has happened is history. Our problem is we talk about past a lot and not think about the present. We have taken this team out of that thought process. We are not relieved (after opening win against South Africa). We have to enjoy the pressure. If you have to go (straight) to the quarter-finals, then Sunday’s match is a pre-quarterfinal. We have discussed accordingly, one match at a time.”

“Crowd is our 12th man. Many teams (opponents) can feel that pressure. We should take advantage of that. If you become defensive after conceding a goal, the crowd also goes silent. But if you keep attacking, the crowd remains energetic. To stay in the game, we have to play attacking hockey. If your shoulders drop, you lose crowd support and momentum.