Oltmans: ‘Good goal conversion will be a must at HWL Semis’

India will look to notch up a winning start against Scotland tomorrow at the Hockey World League Semifinal in London.

India will face Pakistan in a Pool B match on Sunday.

India coach Roelant Oltmans feels ensuring an exceptionally good conversion rate of goal-scoring opportunities will hold the key to his team’s fortunes in the Hockey World League Semifinal starting here tomorrow.

India will open its campaign against Scotland tomorrow. The lead up to the opening encounter saw the Indian team led by midfielder Manpreet Singh win the practice match against England 3-1 on Tuesday with a successful dragflick by Harmanpreet Singh and a double goal by striker Mandeep Singh.

“To win this kind of tournaments we have to get a higher percentage of goals out of our opportunities and concede less unnecessary goals,” Oltmans said.

“If we can manage this aspect of the game then anything is possible to achieve for this team,” emphasized the coach.

The last time India played in London, the team created history by winning a silver medal at the FIH Champions Trophy.

READ: FIH might introduce HIL’s new goal rule

However, with ace drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh and S.K. Uthappa ruled out of the tournament, India will bank heavily on the young Harmanpreet Singh to convert short corners. “With a strong Core Group who have been working together since February this year, we have several options of strong players,” stated Oltmans.

While Uthappa, who returned home for a family emergency, will be replaced by Sumit, defender Jasjit Singh Kular has been called in place of Rupinder Pal Singh who is being rested due to a minor injury.

India will look to notch up a winning start against Scotland followed by its second match to be played against Canada on June 17.

The team’s real challenge will be to get past an unpredictable Pakistan on June 18 before it faces World No.4 The Netherlands on June 20.

“You always want to start well in the Pool Stage. Playing a Tournament like the Hero Hockey World League Semifinal (Men) is always challenging with a number of strong teams in the competition,” Oltmans said.

“The Pools are equally strong too but based on the ranking in our Pool, we have to get a good start against Scotland,” he added.