India look to plug defensive loopholes ahead of World Cup

Playing back-to-back Pro League matches in Antwerp, the Savita Punia-led side put on a fighting show but lost the first game 1-2. In the next match though, they were completely outplayed as the Belgians earned a 5-0 win. It could have been more but luckily it wasn't.

Naturally with just four official matches left ahead of World Cup, the defence is a huge concern for the team. Skipper Savita admitted during a virtual press conference on Thursday that they need to work on their defensive abilities in the upcoming matches. Keeping the goals aside, Belgium also made 22 circle penetrations, 16 shots on goal and won five penalty corners in the second game.

"There are lot of rooms for improvement in defence. Whenever the ball is in our half, we need to be more alert and stay patient. Umpires make decisions very quickly and at times we take referrals in a hurry.

We also need to work on that," said Savita. Good thing for India, they will be facing world No. 1 Argentina in a double header over the weekend in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and will get a chance to see where they stand after undergoing a couple of training sessions following the double header against Belgium.

Argentina women are not only the top-ranked team in the world, but they have already won the Pro League title this season with matches to spare. Moreover, they have been unbeaten throughout the tournament and have among them one of the best strikers in the world - María José Granatto. Speaking on how India will be defending against the Argentines, vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka said, "The striker has very good 3D skills and speed.