India have 100 percent chance of qualifying: Brasa

Former India men's coach Jose Brasa grabbed eye balls the moment he entered the Major Dhyan Chand National stadium on Monday. The Spaniard, though, was with the Ukranian women's team who had roped him as an advisor.

Brasa, who had a forgettable stint as India coach, recently held a 10-day training camp in Barcelona, called his group a “motivated” lot.

“Ukraine had approached me to help the team long ago when I left India but at that time I was busy with other commitments with a few teams including Brazil,” Brasa said.
“I have been with the Ukraine team only twice. I held a 10-day training camp in Italy in April 2011 and then recently for 10 days in Barcelona. Girls had had a very short preparation but they are a very motivated lot.”

Brasa said his former wards will be able to erase the failure of 2008 and will undoubtedly qualify for this year's edition.

“I haven't seen India play, so it is difficult to tell how the new style is working for them. But they have a 100 percent chance of qualifying. I am yet to meet the players.”

The Spaniard said he enjoys coming to India. "I was in India for the WSH (which did not take off) in December. I am very happy to come to India always. It is a hockey country which loves the sport. It is very nice to be here."

The Spaniard was to coach the Chennai Cheetahs in the WSH.
Ukraine's head coach Svitlana Makaieva thanked Brasa for supporting the team.
“He has been been very helpful and the team has benefited a lot,” Makaieva told through a translator.

“Most of the girls are students. It is going to be very difficult but we hope for the best.”