Indian hockey and its defensive crisis!

Almost every aspect of the Indian Hockey team has grown under Micheal Nobbs. “Almost” in the above sentence has the maximum weight. I have used “Almost” because there is still one area in which India has not grown. Our attack line is awesome, our midfield is creative and disciplined, but what about our defense? Is it disciplined enough? The simple answer to the question is – NOT AT ALL!

What’s the problem?

Sandeep Singh & VR Raghunath! When you look at these names, the first thing that comes to our mind is – drag flicks. And why not, we are gifted enough to have 2 of the best drag flickers in the world. But my question is, isn’t hockey beyond Drag Flicks? Why aren’t they famous for their defensive skills? Yes, Sandeep is an exceptional drag flicker. Yes, he makes those lovely solo runs. But he is an average defender.

Our defenders are very poor in marking & look vulnerable at times. Such is our helplessness that Ignace Tirckey has to drop back and play as the 3rd defender for most of the matches. At times, we defend poorly than most of the 2nd tire teams in world hockey. Yes we do have Rupinderpal Singh but let’s be realistic, he ain’t good enough! The problem is, we have attacking minded defenders and not one out-and-out defender. We now realize the importance of Dilip Tirkey and his calm & composed solid defending.

All eyes on Britain

bird's eye view of the Olympic park

                August 2011, the world saw an ugly face of otherwise regarded as 'sophisticated' Britishers. England was burning, London was no exception, the riots had spread wide open. With less than a year to go, the question aroused about whether or not the British forces were capable of pulling off a safe Olympics, but 11 months into the riots, the picture has changed.

            

Britain in 2012 has shed the image of the riots , they have presented themselves as a Sports-friendly nation, playing host to numerous sporting events this year, range of sports including the likes of Cricket, Tennis, Football, Formula 1 and Golf. Here's a quick look at the major tournaments which took place on the British soil this year.

Cricketing Summer:

The summer saw West Indies and Australia touring England for their respective bilateral series against England, the hosts coming out victorious in both the series.

EPL:

The EPL ended in May with the most dramatic finale one would have ever imagined, Manchester City coming from behind to clinch the title.

Mark Webber wins the British Grand Prix

Silverstone: Mark Webber won a drama-packed British Grand Prix as he beat Pole Sitter Farnendo Alonso for the 1st place.

Ferrari's Alonso was the favorite to win the race as he started at the pole. However, his pole position was snatched by Webber as he dove past the former with 4 laps remaining. Webber's Red-Bull team-mate and the defending world champion, Sebastian Vettel completed the podium.

Oscar "Victorious"

            

        

They say you need legs to be able to run, but this man from South Africa made his own statement and proved - its the will that is required to run, not the legs. Becoming the first ever athlete with a double amputation to qualify for the Olympics, Oscar has already entered the record books without even competing in the games. But the ticket to London wasn't that easy to get for him.

Oscar Pistorius was born with congenital absence of the fibula (causing shortness and deformation) in both legs. But that could never keep him away from the play ground. A rugby player during his childhood, he has also played provincial level tennis and water polo.  In addition, Pistorius took part in club Olympic wrestling. He continued to be a rugby player until 2003 when he suffered a serious knee injury, he was introduced to running in January 2004 while undergoing rehabilitation and rest as they say is history.

Are you listening Persie?

The 2006 world cup was on the cards. The world was looking forward to a whole new footballing spectacle and so was I. As a 12 year old, I as many,  knew football by Brazil and Brazil by football. I did not know a single thing about the beautiful game before, but was looking forward to see the mighty Brazilians play. And the much anticipated tournament started!

After seeing Brazil through to the quarters, I was fairly happy and satisfied by my 'adopted' nation's performance. Brazil had to play a much less fancied France side in the quarters, who were deemed as not more than a small obstacle for the defending champs. But to my surprise and disappointment, against all odds,  France sent Brazil packing out of the cup. And the goal scorer was none other than 'Thierry Henry'. The Arsenal forward who was little unknown those days, at least to me. I being a neutral, soon forgot Brazil and started admiring Zidane and Co. After seeing my team through to the finals, my heart was broken again as the Les Bleus lost to Cannavaro's Italy in the finals.

The WC memories soon faded away but one name still was well in my thoughts, 'Thierry Henry'. I just couldn't forget this name. I had fallen in love with Henry and his footballing skills. And this was the turning point in my life. I started loving football then anything. I today very proudly say that, it was Henry who made 

me love football.

I had heard of the English Premier League but did not follow it before. For the sake of knowing Henry's club, I just googled the words "Thierry Henry's club" and the name I found was "ARSENAL FC". Now what is Arsenal I thought. So I found out the club's site and gazed through it but couldn't get anything. So I turned my TV on and ran through some sports channels, and to much of my pleasant surprise, I saw Henry playing in a red-white t-shirt with O2 written on it. And suddenly it clicked in my mind, it was Arsenal in action. Again, I was introduced to Arsenal, through Henry. And yes, as a proud follower of Henry, I started watching Arsenal games.

Match Report: Spain 4-0 Italy

Spain created history by becoming the first nation to successfully defend its European Championship crown. The La Roja also went into the record books by becoming the first nation to score 3 or more goals in an international competition finale.

2 goals in each half were enough for Del Bosque and his men to send a clueless Italy crashing out. David Silva opened the scoring as Jordi Alba, Fernando Torres & Juan Mata all netted for the La Roja.

Del Bosque brought Fabregas back into the attack to replace Negredo as Torres was overlooked again. Prandelli too made one change to his starting 11, with Ignazio Abate recovering from his hamstring injury to replace an in-form Federico Balzeretti at right back.

Min 1-14: It took no time for Spain to settle as they started of with a series of dangerous attacks. Firstly, a Sergio Ramos free-kick from distance and then his well headed effort, both fizz passed over the Italian bar. 

Then, Xavi's crashing attempt went well off target, after a brilliant one-two with Fabregas opened him.