New Delhi, March 3 - Disappointed after a 5-2 thrashing at the hands of favourites Australia in the Hockey World Cup, India coach Jose Brasa admitted Tuesday that his boys are not yet ready to play the top teams.
India were completely taken aback by the speed and the agility of the tournament favourites, who bounced back in style after their 2-3 shocking loss Sunday against European champions England in their Group B opener at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
"Australia are in a completely different league. We are not yet ready to play top teams like Australia. We are still preparing and need to play these teams frequently to get better," said the Spaniard.
"Australia had everything that you need in modern hockey -- speed, co-ordination and agility. With their speedy game they didn't give us any chance. It was disappointing, but that's how modern hockey is played," said Brasa.
The Spaniard, however, added that he was expecting a better scoreline than 5-2.
"I wasn't expecting such a result and thought it would be an even contest. But I was completely mistaken. We were playing the Australians after a long time and now we have to work hard on our fitness. It will be good for us if we play them more often. I tried to organise some matches before the World Cup, but it was not possible," he said.
Notwithstanding the thumping win, Australian coach Ric Charlesworth was not happy.
"I am not happy with the performance. My boys were nervous at one stage as we missed some penalty corners. We were better than our first game against England, but we still have a lot of work to do," said Charlesworth, who came very close to becoming the Indian coach.
On India, Charlesworth said: "India are playing well. But they are playing in the European style. Every team has its own unique style of play. I don't know whether this style of play will help them."
On India's next game against Spain, Charlesworth said: "India have improved a lot in terms of fitness, but Spain are also a fit side. Yet, I don't see any reason why India should not do well against the Spaniards." (IANS)
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