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Fumbling Indian forwards leave Kumar's dream in tatters

For a team which had scored 62 goals in six matches, India should not have had the problem which left coach C.R. Kumar shaking his head and pounding his fists in sheer frustration.

In yesterday's Junior Asia Cup final, Kumar watched from the bench as Arjun Halappa, Deepak Thakur, Gagan Ajit Singh and Prabjot Singh somehow failed to hit the target despite the numerous chances which came their way.

Their inability to add to find the mark contributed to India's shock 2-3 defeat to underdogs Korea.

India had to depend on Bimal Lakra to sound the board via penalty strokes and that too after regular penalty stroke taker Arjun Halappa contrived to miss an earlier stroke.

The Indian's poor attacking display was in stark contrast to their earlier six matches where they banged in 62 goals.

"What can I say? We had the opportunities to score but failed to make them count," lamented Kumar.

"To be honest, we do not deserve to win if we cannot convert our chances. There was simply no reason not to win as we dominated play. I'm heart broken." said the distraught coach after the match.

"We came here with the determination to win the title for the first time in history but at the end of the day, we lost in the final for the third time."

Indian team manager D.S. Murthy was more blunt.

"The inability of our defenders to cut of the Korean raids was disappointing. Yes, we failed to score, but we made too many mistakes at the back and gifted them their goals."

Murthy said the forwards and defenders must work extra hard if we are to do well in next year's Junior World Cup," said a disappointed Murthy.

"Our mistakes was not scoring from the early opportunities. When the forwards started missing they, could not believe it. Since they have been hitting the target so regularly they failed to accept the fact that they should have tried harder."

"But the again, perhaps the simple reason is that they simply crumble under pressure."

Courtsey: www.hockeyasia.com