Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 6 (IANS) South African hockey players were full of beans after beating the four-time champions Pakistan 4-3 for their best performance in this World Cup and captain Justin Reid-Ross could not stop praising the team’s courageous show Saturday.
It was indeed remarkable the way the team regrouped after their 12-0 loss to Australia in their last match Thursday.

Reid-Ross told IANS that after the morale-shattering loss to Australia, the players summoned up tremendous courage and self-belief for their game against Pakistan.

“We said to ourselves that when we turn out against Pakistan, it will be a new day and a new tournament for us,” said an elated Ried-Ross after South Africa logged their first points in the tournament.

“It is absolutely fantastic to comeback the way we did against Pakistan today after losing to Australia. It was very difficult to pick ourselves up. We had to completely refocus after the Australia match. We had some pretty tough matches against Australia over the years, but we never stopped believing in our abilities. And today’s victory has proved that we are on the right track and we can stand up to top teams.

“Everybody in the team contributed today. The unity in the team is excellent. Our hockey can only look up from here,” said the midfielder who has been in good form in the tournament.

He said they will have come well prepared for their last pool B match against hosts India.

“India have played good hockey in the tournament, but they were unfortunate. They have players like Sandeep Singh and Prabhjot Singh and we have to come well prepared against the hosts.”