Thursday, August 20, 2009

Jose Brasa does well with Indian Hockey

Jose Brasa did well to keep the expectations of Indian people low. He stated clearly: This tour is to give the team the exposure of new techniques rather than winning.
Here's what they did:
India v England, Birmingham
First Test: Lost 1-3
Second Test: Won 3-2
Third Test: Lost 3-4
England won the series 2-1
India v Belgium, Braxgata,Boom
First Test: Lost 3-6
Second Test: Won 4-3
Third Test: Won 2-0
India won the series 2-1
India v Spain, Terassa, Spain
First Test: Lost 8-2
Second Test: Won 1-0
Third Test: Lost 4-5
Spain won the series 2-1
India v Netherlands, Amsterdam:
First Test: Lost 3-5
Second Test: Draw 3-3

Current FIH ranking is as follows:
Spain - 3
Netherlands - 4
England - 7
Belgium - 9
India - 12

Getting beaten by Spain 8-2 and then making a comeback of 1-0 is no joke by any means.
Beating England in the test series is not that simple. The same England was nearly invincible in Chile Olympics in early 2008. So, I give points to the Indian coach here as well.
India has met Belgium in Azlan Shah as well. So, beating a better ranked team is surely a morale booster.
However, the pleasant surprise comes with Netherlands. First Test lost 3-5. NOT BAD! .. and 2nd test, finishes 3-3. Netherlands is one of the tuftest teams of contemporary Hockey.
I will peacefully believe that Jose Brasa is not doing that bad at all.
I hope and wish this momentum keeps going on.
Well done, Mr. Brasa! Keep going on like this!