The Indian men’s hockey team’s 2-2 draw against South Korea in the opening Super 4s match of the Asia Cup 2025 has highlighted the need for better composure under pressure, according to head coach Craig Fulton. The team struggled to convert numerous scoring opportunities, including a dozen open-play chances and six penalty corners.
After the match, which was delayed by heavy rain, Fulton addressed the importance of managing the moment, especially with a boisterous home crowd.
“The crowd is paying for blood, so they want goals, goals, and then, when the noises go up, everyone thinks we have to hit it harder or do more,” he said.
He emphasised that the team needs to “stay… a little bit more calmer in the moment and see more. And then where’s the space? And then play to the space.”
Despite the disappointing result, Fulton is happy with the performance and expressed confidence in his players.
“I’ve not lost faith. It’s game on, you know? Like, we’re playing well, we just got to make one of two connections count, and it’s a different story,” he said.
He explained that managing these high-stakes moments is an individual journey for each player, a skill that they continually work on. “This will never change… It’s all the way through your career. That’s how you manage these moments.”
He was pleased with the team’s resilience, highlighting its efforts to get back into the game and create scoring chances in the final quarter. “I can’t ask for more, just didn’t happen on the night. And we go again tomorrow.”
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When asked if the lack of composure was a concern for his experienced squad, Fulton dismissed the notion, calling it “not ideal” but not a major worry. He explained that the team generated enough opportunities through both individual and collective play.
“Might have missed five times in the nine-yard or close to it. And that’s… just what happened on the night,” he said.
He believes the team will correct these issues in the next match, stating, “I don’t think you’re going to play two games and do the same thing twice. So I expected that there would be a difference tomorrow.”
He acknowledged that opponents often “pack the D” to counter India’s attacking threat by employing a low defensive block, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to overcome. The 50-year-old also touched on the team’s strategic adjustments. He described Plan B as being aware of the opposition’s defensive strategy and then adapting.
“Plan B is to be aware of that and then make connections and then have a structure to pass the ball around it and over it, and then when you get your chance to strike a boss, and then that’s normally what helps us put it away,” Fulton explained.
Both of South Korea’s goals came from individual mistakes that led to goals. Fulton reckoned that his team must improve. “We just have to be better for things to change. We need to change, so those are areas that can hurt you.”
He acknowledged that the team is still in contention for the tournament but admitted that it needs to win the next match against high-flying Malaysia in less than 20 hours’ time.
“We have one point and we need to win tomorrow, and that’s the game,” he concluded.
Published on Sep 04, 2025