New Delhi: India hockey coach Michael Nobbs was concerned with anticipation and tackling as his boys came from a goal down to beat South Africa 4-3 in the fourth Test and took an unbeatable 3-1 lead in the five-match Karbonn Cup at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium on Friday.
Having conceded a goal in the first half, India churned out a good display in the second half, scoring twice through youngster Yuvraj Walmiki while VR Raghunath and SK Uthappa scored goal apiece. Justin Reid Ross, Ian Haley and Lloyd Madsen were on target for South Africa.
"We did a good job today. We had a total of 37 penetrations in the match...That's a good number," said Nobbs.
Asked if his team played poorly in the first half, the Australian said: "Yes, we did not do that well, but we created chances in their area."
While the performance of Walmiki and Uthappa will give Nobbs something to cheer about, concerns remain in the team's defence. Walmiki, who returned from a hip injury, was rusty initially but showed good reflexes inside the area.
"Anticipation and tackling are our main problems. We are not doing it properly in the middle and it is allowing the rivals to penetrate in our area. We have to improve," he said.
Nobbs said he is yet to decide the final squad for the Olympic qualifiers, slated to take place at the same venue from February 18-26.
"In the last match on Sunday, I will again make some changes," he said.
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