On paper, there is little to separate the two. If the measure is experience, then hosts India are yards ahead of the visitors. The core of the Rani-led home team has remained pretty much the same with 10 players from the 2016 Olympics. The Americans on the other hand have just three players who were a part of the team which finished fifth in Rio.
However, if the measure is recent exposure, then the former Dutch defender Janneke Schopman-coached US have the edge. They have played 16 matches in the FIH Pro League before the Pan American Games this season. India, who at No 9 are ranked four places above their rivals in the FIH rankings, have mostly played matches on tour in countries like Spain, Ireland, Malaysia, Korea and England. The FIH Women’s Final and the Olympic Test event, both in Japan, are the only multi-team events they have featured in.
History too sides with the Americans. They won the bronze at the 1984 Olympics and are looking to book a ticket to their fourth consecutive appearance at the quadrennial extravaganza. In contrast, India are hoping to qualify for only the second time. Statistically, off the 29 matches between the two teams, USA have won 16, drawn nine and lost four.
That said, the two-leg qualifier is expected to be a battle of tactical acumen as well as mental and physical toughness. While India score on the tactical count, the Americans are known for physical power.
“It is going to be tough,” admitted Schopman.
“We have seen in the past week that home countries have won (the Olympic qualifiers). It is a steep hill for us and we are ready to climb it,” she added on the eve of the opening contest at the Kalinga stadium on Thursday.
Staying with the topic of the host nation, visiting skipper Kathleen Sharkey said, “It will be a challenge to play in their home stadium, but we have the experience playing away matches in the Pro League. So, we are prepared for it.”
In many ways the twin fixtures will be a moment of truth for the team’s Dutch coach Sjoerd Marijne, under whom the team has shown steady growth especially with aggression and confidence on the field.
Given the hire-and-fire-policy in Indian hockey, Marijne job may well be on the line, but the man himself was far from perturbed. “These are the two matches we waited to play the whole year. We’ve prepared well. The moment is here and we are excited,” he said.
Concurring with Marijne, Rani said, “Our first target to qualify for the Olympics was at the Asian Games and unfortunately we could not qualify. Our team is excited that we are going to play in front of a huge home crowd.”
Having failed to seal the Olympics berth at the Asian Games and Pan American Games as continental champions, it will be a do-or-die 120 minutes over two days for both the teams.
source https://cvrnewsdirect.com/fih-olympic-qualifiers-india-usa-to-battle-for-a-slot-at-tokyo-games-hockey-news/
No comments:
Post a Comment