By Anand Philar, IANS,
Second World Cup – Amsterdam, Holland (Aug 24-Sept 2, 1973)
The World Cup in Amsterdam had disaster written all over it from India’s perspective, though when they arrived in Holland, there was no inkling.
The Indians, under M.P. Ganesh, arrived with excess baggage that had mostly to do with team management. “Centre-forward Balbir Singh (Western Railway) was once again omitted and we had plenty other problems to deal with. Looking back, I guess we were not destined to win the World Cup though we had every chance to do so. Even now, I feel disappointed,” confessed Ganesh.
India had a decent run in the preliminary league as they defeated Japan 5-0, drew goalless with Germany, beat Kenya 4-0 and with a slice of luck drew 1-1 with New Zealand with a late penalty corner equaliser by Baldev Singh.
Thus, for the second time running, India faced an under-strength Pakistan in the semi-finals. Pakistan virtually fielded a second string with 13 of their players from the 1972 Olympics serving a life ban (subsequently revoked in 1974 after apology) for misconduct.
India snatched a 1-0 win on centre-forward B.P. Govinda’s 62nd minute solo goal to set up a clash with hosts Holland in the final.
“How can I forget that goal? I received the ball near the top of the circle, dribbled past a defender and moved to my left side. The goalkeeper was expecting me to turn and take a shot that he had already covered. So, I decided to reverse flick since I was good at that stroke. The ball went to the roof of the net. After the match, many congratulated me on that goal, saying it was the best of the tournament,” said Govinda.
In the final, full-back and penalty corner specialist Surjit Singh put India 2-0 ahead with two conversions. Umpire G Vijayanathan (Malaysia) disallowed a third Surjit conversion.
The Dutch levelled the scores to push the game into extra-time after the Indians wasted a penalty stroke 31 seconds from the close during the regulation period.
“I was using a new stick and so did not want to take the stroke. Both Harmek (who had missed a stroke in the goalless draw with Germany in the league) and Ajit Pal declined. So, I had to concede Govinda’s request. But he failed as his stick hit the tuft of grass on which the ball was placed. The ball rolled gently to the goalkeeper for an easy save,” Ganesh explained.
In the tie-breaker that followed a goalless extra-time, Ajit Pal and Harmek converted while Harcharan Singh pushed wide and Govinda’s attempt was saved. Ashok Kumar did not take the last push as the Dutch had by then clinched the issue for a 6-4 score-line.
Indian team:
Goalkeepers: Cedric Pereira, Charles Cornelius. Full-backs: Michael Kindo, Baldev Singh, Surjit Singh. Half-backs: Ajit Pal Singh, Harmek Singh, Vasudevan Baskaran, Virender Singh. Forwards: B P Govinda, Ashok Kumar, M.P. Ganesh (captain), Harcharan Singh, Ajit Singh, Chand Singh, V J Phillips. Coach: Randhir Singh Gentle.
How they finished:
1. The Netherlands; 2. India; 3. West Germany; 4. Pakistan; 5. Spain; 6. England; 7. New Zealand; 8. Belgium; 9. Argentina; 10. Japan; 11. Malaysia; 12. Kenya.