India coach Craig Fulton lauds team for 'structured' and 'consistent' game in thumping win over Pakistan

Published at :August 10, 2023 at 6:12 PM

Modified at :January 13, 2024 at 5:36 PM

(Courtesy : Hockey India)

Captain Harmanpreet Singh also shared his thoughts on the big win.

Indian men’s hockey team thrashed arch-rival Pakistan by a huge margin (4-0) in the last group stage match at the Asian Champions Trophy 2023. Captain Harmanpreet Singh was the star of the day scoring two goals with Jugraj and Akashdeep scoring one each. Pakistan started the game on a positive note and even scored inside the first two minutes but that was disallowed. India made a comeback in the backend of the first quarter to score the opening goal and from here on there was no looking back for the hosts.

After a successful group stage campaign, head coach Craig Fulton and captain Harmanpreet Singh addressed the media in the post-match press conference. Here are the excerpts.

Thoughts on the game

Craig Fulton said, “We played a good-structured game. We did miss a few chances in the fourth quarter, but we did well overall and scored four goals. Also, we had some good consistency in each quarter, which we did the same during the Japan game (match ended in a 1-1 draw). On the other hand, Pakistan played well and had their chances, but we defended well and got the goals counted at the right time.”

Captain Harmanpreet Singh, on being asked about the structural hockey, said, India would be looking to better the structure if required and going forward will work on it as well.”

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Jugraj getting into the act

Apart from Harmanpreet Singh, India possess Varun Kumar and Jugraj Singh in the dragflickers role. The former scored two goals against China in the opening game and his compatriot Jugraj too scored two goals with the latest coming off against neighbours Pakistan.

On the decision-making plan for Jugraj taking PC coach replied, “It all happened behind the scenes. We do a lot of study on it, and I can’t tell you everything (laughs), but Jugraj has to execute it and rightly deserves all the credit for it. During the warmup, I saw Jugraj flick one good shot, and I told him, ‘When I call you to flick, that’s how you do it’. Ultimately, it worked. But sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn’t but I’m glad it worked today.”

Mandeep Singh’s defensive skills

Indian forwards, apart from attacking, performed the defensive duties as well. Karthi Selvam and Mandeep Singh especially played crucial role’s in counter attack.

The coach heaped praises on the centre-forward and said, “Mandeep’s position is not easy to play in the side since there is a lot of defending and attacking. But he is a seasoned professional and he knows how to play in it, and he has done it for a long time. He’s bringing his experience into play, and he’s doing well.”

Overall performance in the league stage

“The Asian Champions Trophy started with a double header which was quite tough for us. Then we played Malaysia and South Korea which isn’t easy as well and now a standalone game against Pakistan. We have done well overall and wanted to finish on top of the table which is good.

However, the tournament starts now and its game on. Looking to take the positives forward and want to make a good shift for the semi-finals on Friday. Also, it will be a special occasion as Sreejesh is going to make his 300th international appearance.”

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