The Indians admitted that defensive lapses led to the team's downfall in the World Cup
The Indians admitted that defensive lapses led to the team's downfall in the World CupVeteran midfielder Arjun Halappa was livid after India's 2-3 defeat to England last night. "The first goal (16th minute by James Tindall) was a let-down. The ball passing through all those legs and reaching Tindall near the post is just not done. This is not the first time our defence has been a problem. Throughout the tournament we have conceded such soft goals due to our defensive frailties. We have gifted away goals and this just can't be done in a World Cup," Halappa told Sunday MiD DAY.
India skipper Rajpal Singh failed to tap in a sitter in the final minute else the score would have been tied at 3-3.
Poor effort
But even that would not have made much of a difference believed Halappa. "We had to win today if we wanted to keep our hopes of a decent finish in this tournament alive. So a draw would not be sufficient," said Halappa, who was grateful to custodian Adrian D'Souza, who came up with some fine saves to keep the England goal count in control.
In vain
"Adrian's experience was really helpful. I think he made some fine anticipations and thwarted at least three certain goals," said Halappa. India coach Jose Brasa blamed the poor penalty corner conversion rate for the defeat. 'We got two penalty corners and tried both our drag flick options, Sandeep Singh and Diwakar Ram but both failed.
"England had one penalty corner and they converted it. That was the basic difference today," said Brasa.
