by Hockey Supporter
8. June 2009 06:41
Singapore suffered their second defeat in as many matches after a 10-0 loss to hockey powerhouse India in a Pool D played on Monday.
The second heavy defeat put their of the SCB FIH Junior World Cup hopes into disarray on day two of the tournament.
Led by captain Diwakar and Danish Mujtaba who combined for seven goals, the double-digit margin by India was the tournament's largest after two days of competition.
Diwakar finished with four goals, while Mujtaba completed a hat-trick. Mujtaba poached India's first goal after a soft clearance by Singapore keeper Brian Foo in the 5th minute and Diwakkar converted two penalty corners shortly after (15th & 18th min). Singapore earned a penalty corner and attempted a shot at goal but the deflection went over the bar. Dharamvir Singh claimed the next goal (26th min) with a reverse stick hit and Diwakkar bagged his third goal of the match from a penalty corner (29th min). Mandeep Antil followed suit to bring India to 6-0 five minutes before half time.
Singapore fought with renewed energy in the second half and held India before Vivek tapped the ball into the corner in the 47th min. Mujtaba's notched two goals in the space of 5 minutes (51st and 55th min) before Diwakkar completed the rout at the 66th min with this fourth penalty corner.
Said Singapore coach Lim Chiow Chuan: "Today was a bit of a disappointment in the first half - the players played without energy, without heart. Of course fatigue played a major role and the boys were suffering physically. Recovery is very important and they have to recover physically as well as mentally to get over their losses. It's all about playing our hearts out. The outcome has never been our priority, never been our focus - it is the process. I hope the players rise to the occasion and play their best because the game against Poland is very crucial for us."
Said India coach A.K. Bansal: "Of course it's a good start. Our boys played according to plan, and actually I was expecting more goals. This pool is very dicey, compared to the rest. At least three teams are almost equal, and we have to motivate our boys against all the matches."
The defeat put Singapore at the bottom of Pool D below Poland, who also lost their second match by 2-7 against the Netherlands. The hosts will play Poland on Wednesday, 10 June.
(source: ESPNStar.com)
