Hosts sink Italy by an overwhelming 8-1 margin.
The main question before the start of India’s second group match against Italy at the Dhyan Chand Stadium was not whether the hosts will win but by what margin. By half time, it was amply clear that the Italian team, too, had no plans of stopping India from scoring at every opportunity.
By the time the sides halted for a lemon break, the 6-1 scoreline didn’t look as intimidating, given the kind of play India showcased in the Italian half.
It was turn of penalty corner specialists — Sandeep Singh and Raghunath Vokkaliga Ramachandra — to punish a clueless Italian defence. The Italians did try hard to stop the Indian charge.
They even succeeded in scoring through a penalty corner to make it 1-2, but Sandeep replied with two more powerful drag flicks. At 4-1, the Indian forwards took charge. Sunil Sowmarpet Vital was the first to set the pace through a field goal before Gurwinder Singh Chandi took India’s tally to six.
The Italians returned looking more confused as Sunil and Shivendra Singh pounded two more field goals to make it 8-1.
In fact, the way Shivendra scored, it was a clear indication that the Italian defenders along with their goalkeeper threw in the towel well before the final hooter. From then on, both the teams didn’t press too hard to score further.
“We didn’t try too many variations and that’s why we scored more,” said drag flicker Sandeep Singh, who hit three goals for India in the first half. On whether the 8-1 score line could be deemed as satisfactory, Sandeep added: “The Singapore team consisted of under-21 players whereas Italy was a full-fledged side and I think we scored well against them. Now, the next matches would be even tougher for us and we have to peak with every passing match.”
Sardar Singh, on the other hand, felt that though India scored fewer goals through short corners against Singapore, it was important to implement a few plans being discussed in the team meetings before the tough draw.
“We’re unlucky not to score off drag flicks but otherwise we had two good games so far and hopefully we shall do well against France in Tuesday’s outing,” said Sardar, who failed to score against Italy on Sunday.
However, with crowd support increasing with every passing day, both Sardar and Sandeep looked happy and promised complete entertainment.
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