High Performance Director Roelant Oltmans said India must execute its plan well in order to go past a strong Belgium side in Thursday’s quarterfinal clash of the Champions Trophy hockey tournament.
After India’s training session at the Kalinga Stadium here on Wednesday, Oltmans said the home side had done its home work. “We have a chance. It depends on how we execute our plan. Belgium is a good side with a strong defence. I know their structure. They have improved a lot,” said the Dutchman.
Speaking about India’s 3-2 win over Netherlands in the last pool match, Oltmans said, “the tournament did not end yesterday. It is starting tomorrow.”
Oltmans said it was not proper to react on every win and loss.
“Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. This year we have beaten the top three teams (Australia, Netherlands and Germany) in the world. It is about the process.”
Sardar Singh said it did not matter that India had beaten Belgium in the same tournament two years ago. “They have improved a lot and it is a different game.”
The Indian captain said the mood in the home camp was good after the victory over the Dutch side. “This was the first win over them in 10 years of my career. The young boys are happy and you can see their body language.”
Meanwhile, Birendra Lakra did not train and might sit out of the quarterfinals.
