India's veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was not impressed with his team's performance after a thrilling 3-2 win against New Zealand in the Paris Olympics 2024 opener. Sreejesh feels it is a wake-up call for the Harmanpreet Singh-led side as they are scheduled to face tougher teams in the group stage games.
India were expected to beat New Zealand by a big goal margin but after the first quarter they found themselves trailing. Mandeep Singh and Vivek Sangar Prasad's goals helped them bake a comeback. But it was even stevens in the 53rd minute with Simon Child scoring from a penalty corner. In the end, it was Harmanpreet Singh's penalty stroke in the 59th minute that helped India beat New Zealand.
"The first match in the Olympics is never easy. New Zealand is not an easy team, We made some mistakes, but there were a few good things as well. It's a good wake up call for the team," Sreejesh said.
"We got three points and that's what is important. We gave them opportunities and they converted. The last few minutes were not easy but in hockey it's always like that, from first whistle to the last there is tension," he added.
Coach rues too many interceptions
India head coach Craig Fulton was not happy with India's underwhelming outing as well. He felt that India were not able to keep the possession.
"There are a few plans that we have. But we have different plans for different teams. And the best form of defence at times is attack. And we didn't really do enough with the ball.
"On the ball, we weren't that good today in terms of keeping possession. But New Zealand are a competitive team, so they did well. They intercepted a lot of ball. So little areas, where we need to work. We did well," he said.
However, Fulton was relieved with the win and said that it an event like the Olympics, there are no easy teams.
"We had a good game. And I'm glad that we got the win the way we did because we made some mistakes. They punished us for it. And at the end of the day, we came back and got the win.
"This is the Olympics. So everyone's primed. You know, it's no easy team."
India’s group stage schedule
India will take on Argentina in their next game on July 29. On the next day, they will go up against Ireland. India's last two group stage games are against Belgium and Australia on August 1 and 2 respectively.
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