“Keep pushing and keep motivating each other!” Former India captain and goalkeeper Savita could be heard above the din, telling the India huddle exactly what needed to be done ahead of their World Cup match against South Africa.And they did just that. India romped to a 6-1 win in their second group game in Amstelveen on Tuesday — their biggest win in World Cup history.Knowing they needed a big win, Sjoerd Marijne’s side came out all guns blazing, looking for goals from the word go. However, it was South Africa who had the first shot on goal within minutes, and for a moment, it seemed things might not be as easy for India.But Bichu Devi Kharibam made a good save to settle India’s nerves, and after a few near misses, the onslaught began.Sunelita Toppo (11), Navneet Kaur (17), Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam (25), Deepika (38), Lalremsiami (44) and Sakshi Rana (45) scored the goals as India went top of Group D with four points. China, who beat England 4-2 in the other group game earlier, also have four points, but India have a better goal difference.Towards the end, South Africa did find the net when Kayla de Waal scored following a penalty corner, but by then India knew the job was done.All focus now moves to Thursday when India take on England. A win or a draw there will take them through to the next round, irrespective of what happens in the match between China and South Africa.Despite Tuesday’s big win, however, it wasn’t a great game from India’s point of view, particularly in the first half when they were sloppy at times. Too many mis-passes and poor first touches could have been costly and India were fortunate that South Africa did not take advantage of them.Speaking during the half-time break, Marijne told the broadcaster: “Of course, when you see the score, you can say we are happy with 3-0, but I think it can be more. And I expect more from the team as well.”“We’ve seen too many individual errors, and they have had some good opportunities. So that’s something we really need to do better. Hopefully, we can score some more goals. That would be great,” he added.In the end, they did score more goals in the third quarter before taking their foot off the pedal in the fourth, when South Africa finally got a breakthrough of their own.The India players, meanwhile, were particularly good inside the D with their short passing. Both their opener and Deepika’s goal came from such moves. Navneet also continued her good showing, as did Neha, and Navneet was more than pleased with six different players finding the net.“If you see, six of our players scored goals, so it’s nice and feels good. Everyone in our team can score, and that’s good for us,” Navneet said after the game.Six different players getting on the scoresheet was perhaps the clearest reflection of the togetherness Marijne has been demanding from his side. The red-and-yellow ‘unity bands’ that every player and support staff member has been wearing around their wrists for the World Cup are meant to represent that spirit.On Tuesday, India showed that unity on the pitch as well.Yet the first-half performance also showed why Marijne wants more from his team. Against England on Thursday, India will need not just the goals but also greater control, discipline and precision if they are to take the next step in their World Cup campaign.
