Upbeat Oltmans optimistic about Pakistan reaching final

ISLAMABAD: National hockey Head Coach Roelant Oltmans sounded confident about Pakistan’s making it to the final of Azlan Shah Cup, admitting that the match against Japan today (Tuesday) would be crucial from both teams’ prospective.

Talking to ‘The News’ on telephone from Ipoh (Malaysia) a day ahead of the team’s third match, Oltmans praised his unit for living up to the expectations.

“It is never easy to play a top level team just hours after a long trip where boys hardly slept the whole night. Yet, they came up good against Malaysia straight away, winning against the hosts in an exciting match. Now that we have settled down, I expect a much better performance and even better rhythm from the boys in the match against Japan, even better than what we saw against Korea the other day.”

Oltmans praised Japan as one of the better teams in the competition. “The way they defeated Korea and New Zealand in competition so far shows their strength. Along with Pakistan, Japan is the only team that has not lost a point. So the match on Tuesday will be a good one. Chances of an exciting match are more likely.”

On Pakistan’s chances of making it to the final of Azlan Shah Cup following a good number of years, he hoped that another two wins from the remaining three matches would help his side earn a place in the title decider.

“From here on we would go for a win every match but if we achieve victory in two of the remaining three matches, our chances of playing the final are bright.” The head coach praised the unit for putting up a fantastic show against Korea the other day.

“Following a close win at the outset of the Azlan Shah Cup against hosts Malaysia the other day, the team gave a dazzling performance in the second match against Korea beating one of the best Asian teams fair and square.”

Oltmans was seen signaling to the team members in the fourth quarter against Korea to slow down. “That signal was meant to keep players in good physical condition for the rest of the matches. Playing two matches in two days without taking any reasonable rest, is like asking too much from players. We were having a four goal cushion by then. Exerting extra was of no use. Now I am confident that following a day of rest players will be in top physical condition for the match against Japan on Tuesday.”

Oltmans praised the whole team instead of naming the one department for two consecutive matches. “It is a team effort and every player gave his best and helped combine in to make an impact. It is because of their efforts that we are occupying the top spot on the table. The match against Japan on Tuesday will also be the one that will determine the table toppers.”