United States Field Hockey anticipating positive outcome at Pan American Games
United States’ men’s and women’s field hockey teams, arrived in Guadalajara, Mexico, to contest the Pan American Games scheduled to be held from October 19 to 29. Meanwhile they are deeming putting aside the present giants, Canada and Argentina, to become
the ultimate powerhouses.
The teams of the both genders entered the tournament as title competitors, anticipating to lift their first ever title for America as well as the ticket to the 2012 Olympic Games.
The triumphant will get a direct spot in the London-based mega event while the runner-up will get another chance in 2012 to prove their worth.
Canada and Argentina did not miss any title in the Pan American Games thus far but this time, the US teams are mulling to create new history in the coming weeks.
Argentina lifted all the six honours in the Pan American Games, out of which they defeated Americans five times in the finals.
Lee Bodimeade, coach of the women’s squad, is quite optimistic about his players.
He underscored, “We've got a far better team than the one we had in Rio. We have a chance to beat Argentina. We've had some good results against them and now we have a better understanding of what we need to do”.
Lauren Crandall, captain of the women’s team, is also looking to earn glory for her team. She stated that they made all the preparations they could and they have the mental edge that they require to play against Argentina.
Men’s team coach, Nick Conway, is anticipating productive outcomes in the Pan American Games as well.
He termed his side far-better than the 2007 line-up. In his opinion, the current team was playing together for last four years which was a positive omen in terms of coordination.
He explained, “It would still be an upset for us to qualify, but it's not something we are not capable of doing if we have our day in the final. It would be a magnificent achievement”.
If the US men’s side wins the pool games, it will likely play against Canada in the semi-finals and Argentina in the finals.
In Conway’s views, there was no logic as to why they cannot defeat Canada or Argentina in the knockout stage of the tournament.
Sean Harris, the men’s skipper, termed the line-up as quite talented and experienced, such that they can conquer any stage.
He further claimed that they did not let other contenders threaten them any longer. They have enhanced their skills deliberately and are expected to finish the podium higher than just a position among the top five.
Harris expressed the feeling of the entire nation, saying, “Everyone will be pretty disappointed if we don't contend for the title”.
Irrespective of the positions of US teams in the world ranking, they are committed to making a breakthrough in the 2011 Pan American Games.
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