Hockey World Cup: We know how to handle pressure, says Hardik Singh | Hockey News – Times of India

But the hero of India’s first match, Hardik Singh, has no doubt that the team has got all its bases covered to answer whatever England throw at them.
“The opening game against Spain was, of course, very important. We have had a good start, which was the first objective. We play England next, a good team, but we are ready for it,” said Hardik, whose stunning solo goal against Spain took the crowd’s breath away on Friday.
He admitted there were nerves ahead of the first game, while assuring that the India team is experienced enough to handle it.
“That happens a little bit when you are representing the country and in a big tournament like the World Cup and at home. But at this stage we should know how to handle it (pressure)…Our target remains to top the pool, whether we play England or any other team,” said the attacking midfielder.
He also dwelled a little bit on the goal he scored against Spain, but insisted that it was only possible because of team effort.
“Any player who scores gets a boost in confidence, but my goal was because of a team effort. Had Shamsher (Singh) not come there and tackled the player, then I wouldn’t have got the ball. So it was a team effort,” said Hardik.
“The coach had said that we have to attack more from the left wing. So we just did that.”
A win for either team on Sunday will put them at the doorstep of the quarterfinals.