Oltmans stresses the need to play at a high level

 Indian coach Roelant Oltmans praised his wards for their fighting show against Germany here on Saturday.

While the Indians found it difficult to break down Argentina’s defence and create any goal scoring opportunity on Friday, the Sardar Singh-led was all over the Germans on Saturday, creating 12 chances as compared to nine by their opponents.

“You need every player to perform 100 percent, at this level you can’t afford to play even 75-80 percent. And when the side puts in that kind of performance, chances keep coming,” said  Oltmans in his post-match press conference.

“The boys really showed today, they were one team. I told in the meeting yesterday, that they should believe we are a new team and together look to solve the problem. And that was evident in their game,” he added.

Though Oltmans seemed unhappy that his side couldn’t win the game despite creating numerous chances, he credited the Germans who put up a creditable show in the defense to deny Indians any room inside the striking circle.

“We should realise that Germany is known, for years, as the best defending team. It’s difficult to overcome them in difficult situations. And that’s something they did today. When they couldn’t muster anything up ahead, they sat back a defended really well.

“Having said that, I am happy that my boys could create so many chances, something we didn’t do yesterday. Now we have created chances, and hopefully we will convert them in the next game.

Stressing on the need to perform well at the Hockey World League Final, Oltmans said that the Raipur event would be the first indicator of where his side stands. “We have the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup, and also the Champions Trophy in Argentina apart from some matches we hope to play before the Olympics,” he remarked.