MCT: Win should put to rest doubts about forwards' abilities: Rach
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| India |
December 7, 2004
Times of India, India
LAHORE: Indian coach Gerhard Rach on Tuesday said his side's 3-1 win over Germany in the Champions Trophy hockey tournament here should put to rest doubts over the scoring abilities of the forwards.
Rach, breathing easy after India's first win in the tournament, said his team played "wonderfully well" to force three points from the match after trailing 0-1 at the half time.
"We played wonderfully well, particularly in the second half. We had tried hard for the equaliser in the first half itself but somehow that did not materialise," Rach said after the match.
The Indian forwards ended their lean phase by scoring all the three goals for the side. Sandeep Michal opened the account in the second half which was followed by strikes by Arjun Halappa and Vivek Gupta.
"Now no one should ask anything about the forwards. They played really well and scored from most of the chances that came their way," he said.
With Wednesday's crucial match against Pakistan likely to determine whether India make it to the top four, Rach said his team would give its best.
"Pakistan is no doubt the better team. We definitely have a hard game against them. We are trying hard in the tournament and we will do the same tomorrow. If we win it will be wonderful for the country." Rach also reiterated that he was stressing on building the team for future.
"I am just a coach and can't do magic in just four weeks," he said referring to the training camp at Chandigarh that was held for the Champions Trophy.
Germany coach Bernhard Peters said though his side lost, it put up a tough fight.
"Our young developmental side played very well. We made some mistakes and at this level you can't afford that. The Indian team was no better than our side. But I am satisfied," Peters said.
"Our young players were tired towards the end and it affected them which allowed India to slam home some goals."
Captain Phillip Crone also praised his players for their "spirited effort".
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