Indian head coach Sjoerd Marijne has emphasised focusing on team strengths rather than tournament calculations ahead of their second FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup match against South Africa on August 18 at Wagener Hockey Stadium in Amstelveen.
Following a 2-2 draw against China in their opening Pool D match, Marijne said, “We are not focused on calculations or who is winning against whom. For us, it’s most important to focus on ourselves, focus on our strengths.”
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He highlighted the positives from the first game, noting, “We created chances (against China). That was something very positive. I think defensively we were very strong. We need to work on double turnovers: winning the ball, keeping the ball. That’s something we can do better.”
Marijne urged his players not to underestimate South Africa, stating, “Now we face South Africa, and I have told the girls not to take things lightly. South Africa is also a good team…so we need to be ready for that one.”
India’s opening match was marked by resilience and attacking intent, with Navneet and Deepika both scoring to give India the lead twice before China equalised on both occasions. India’s defensive discipline and fighting spirit secured a valuable point against one of the tournament’s leading teams.
South Africa will seek to recover from their 4-0 loss to England in their Pool D opener. England currently lead the group, while India and China share second place on points after their draw.
With only the top two teams in each pool advancing, every point is critical. A victory against South Africa could significantly boost India’s chances of progressing to the semi-finals.
India aims to both maintain the intensity and composure that benefited them against China and improve their effectiveness in attack. The early tournament form of Navneet and Deepika is expected to be an asset, while the team’s ability to withstand pressure will again be important.
South Africa is determined to respond strongly after their opening defeat, presenting a competitive challenge for India.
Building on their performance against China, the Indian team intends to secure their first victory of the World Cup, collect three crucial points, and strengthen their standing in a closely contested Pool D.
