North 24 Parganas (India) correspondent: It’s hard to fault Belgium’s meticulous homework. For almost 15 minutes before the push-back, their penalty corner specialists flicked fast, knee-high shots at their two goalkeepers, preparing them for India’s battery of drag-flickers. Or to be specific, for Sanjay Kumar – the Junior World Cup’s best corner specialist so far, alongside France’s Timothy Clement.
Each of Kumar’s drag-flicks had followed this pattern. So, it was hardly a surprise that Belgium’s last-minute revision was around these low, hard flicks. And 20 minutes into the Junior World Cup quarterfinal, the question was asked of them. Turns out, however, they weren’t prepared for a question out of the syllabus.
Sanjay, as usual, was standing on top of the ‘D’ when the ball was pushed out. The Belgian rushers sprinted in his direction to block his shot but instead of going for it himself, Sanjay twisted at the last second and laid off the ball for Sharda Nand Tiwari, who stood behind him.
Suddenly, Belgium players had to switch directions – the defenders had to turn right and the goalkeeper, who had positioned himself to save a low shot, was in no man’s land. It gave Tiwari enough time to step forward, pick his spot and slot the ball calmly into the top corner, giving India the lead and leaving Belgium scratching their heads.
In the past, India have often been accused of being too one- dimensional from set-pieces. That they have four penalty corner specialists in this squad who have varying styles was hence seen as a positive. But this was an ace up their sleeve which few would have anticipated. Germany, India’s opponents in the semifinals following the 1-0 win on Wednesday, would have made a note, having watched the game from the stands.
India now will face Germany on December 3 in the semis.
News is being sent by BTC News (Bangladesh) North 24 Parganas (India) correspondent, Tathyik Bhattacharya. #
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