Coach says India to play attacking game

ORDOS (Agencies) - India will display aggressive hockey when they face arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the first edition of the men's hockey Asian Champions Trophy today (Sunday). India, with a blend of experience and youth in the team, have surprised everybody in the tournament and in their last group tie came back from 0-2 to draw the match against Pakistan. Indian forwards performed well in the tournament and that was reflected in the +7 goal difference that the team enjoys. India's coach Michael Nobbs said his team would play an attacking game in the final against Pakistan. "This team has handled pressure like pros. They needed an incentive and now the team has got it by playing a final. Whatever the result, we will throw everything into the match," Nobbs was quoted as saying by Indianhockey.com. But what worries the Australian is India's failure to convert penalty corners. "The problem is not about conversion, it's about the rusher coming directly at the flicker. It's a FIH directive that the rusher should not run directly to the flicker. So what happens is that Pakistan is running straight to the flicker. I will probably have a talk with the umpires and it is clear they are not reviewing the matches. But when our rusher ran straight, the umpire hauled him up. There needs to be a clear consistent line in umpiring," he said.

ePaper - Nawaiwaqt