Asheem Mukerji | TNN | Dec 18, 2016, 09.51 AM IST


Highlights

  • India face Belgium in the final and both teams are undefeated in the tournament
  • India last won the Junior Hockey World Cup in 2001
  • The come-from-behind wins have shown a new side to this fighting bunch. They hungry and do not get rattled after conceding goals

India are one win away from the first Junior World Cup title since 2001. (PTI image)India are one win away from the first Junior World Cup title since 2001. (PTI image)

LUCKNOW: The Indian hockey colts won the World Cup in 2001 but failed to make an impact after that. On Sunday evening, Harjeet Singh & Co. have the chance to win back the title -in front of home fans at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here. And, in their path are the rising giants of European hockey, Belgium, who are in their first final.

Both the sides are unbeaten in the championship, having shown a lot of grit to eke out wins from difficult situations. More so the Belgians, who knocked out Argentina and then brushed aside the six-time champions Germany, both in penalty shoot-outs.

The Indians displayed a never-say-die attitude while overcoming Spain, and then the dangerous Australians after conceding early goals in the quarterfinals and semifinals respectively.

The come-from-behind wins have shown a new side to this fighting bunch. They are hungry and do not get rattled after conceding early goals. Add to this a heady mix of talent, and India are looking like the team to beat in the final. The form of linkman Harjeet Singh has added to the cutting edge of the forwards -Mandeep Singh, Manpreet Junior, Armaan Qureshi and Santa Singh, who have gelled as a unit upfront.

If the forward and midfield has been impressive, the deep defenders, Harmanpreet Singh and Dipsan Tirkey, have also contributed. They have looked assured in their tackling. The only cause of worry has been the inability of Harmanpreet to pull down the rival defence with his drag-flicks. Just three goals so far doesn’t reflect the talent of the strong lad. And now is the perfect time for him to stand up and deliver.

The last man in the defence -goalkeeper Vikas Dahiya – has simply been superb, displaying a lot of agility, courage and reflexes to deny the opposition. The Belgians have t conceded just three goals in five s matches here. With their senior side having played the final at the Rio Olympics, the Belgian colts are eager to go all the way. They have surprised their rivals with speedy counter attacks. With defence-first being their mantra, they have provided little space to the opposition in their area. They also have capable midfielders like Victor Wegnez and Robbert Rubens who provide thrust to their attacks.

In gifted Thomas Verhei jen, Quentin van Lierde, Phil lipe Simar and Henri Raes, the Belgians are blessed with some opportunistic goal-scorers who provide strength to the side. So, with everything to play for, the visitors will like to upset the free-flowing game of the hosts.

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