Indians eye rare high

Three years ago when head coach Harendra Singh first met his players at the junior national camp, he assured them that he could make them world champions but expected just one thing in return – trust in his ways.

In the three years gone by, the team responded well, sticking to their coach’s methods. And on Sunday, they will hope to achieve their ultimate goal when they take on Belgium in the final of the Hockey Junior World Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand stadium here.

It’s been 15 years since the Gaganajit Singh-led side help India to their first-ever world title at the junior stage in Hobart. No other team apart from current bunch has looked more promising to repeat that feat.

Led by skipper Harjeet Singh, who’s undoubtedly the best player in the side, the Indians are a unit that relies more on team work than individual brilliance. This is one of the reasons why as many as nine players have already found the back of the net in the tournament so far.

While Vikas Dahiya proved his credentials as the first-choice goalkeeper in the semifinals against Australia, the trio of Harmanpreet Singh, Dipsan Tirkey and Varun Kumar have been on the top of their game helping India maintain a strong defence.

The midfield has stuck to their plans so far but the forward line continues to be a problem. Against Australia this came to the fore when Simranjeet Singh and Vikramjit Singh let go of opportunities that would have probably put the result beyond doubt in regulation time.

While on one hand the Indians have to ensure that they don’t undo their good work and improve on the attacking front, on the other they’ll have to be wary about the first-time finalist Belgium. The Europeans have made rapid progress over the last few years and would be keen to cap off a great year for the Red Lions that saw them end up with a silver medal at the Rio Olympics.

In fact, the Belgians are the only side against whom the Indian colts lost (2-4) in the four-nation tournament in Valencia, leading up to the World Cup.

Their goalkeeper Loic van Doren has had an exceptional tournament so far, while the likes of Gregory Stockbroexx and Thomas Verheijen have ensured that the Belgians pump in goals at crucial times in the tournament.

Up against a strong opposition, Harendra said they will have to utilise their opportunities whenever they get it. “Belgium is a strong side, there’s no doubt. But at the same time against every opponent you get your opportunities. And against Belgium too we will get our opportunities.

“Belgium is a tough team and they have shown it by beating top sides like Holland, Germany, Argentina. It’s a very strong side but we are also a very strong side,” he assured.

​Road to final:

India: Group stages: bt Canada 4-0, bt England 5-3, bt South Africa 2-1. Quarterfinal: bt Spain 2-1.Semifinal: bt Australia 2-2 (4-2 via shootout).

Belgium: Group stage: bt Egypt 4-0, bt Netherlands 3-2, bt Malaysia 3-0. Quarterfinal: bt Argentina 1-1 (4-1 via shootout). Semifinal: bt Germany 0-0 (4-3 via shootout).