With the World Cup dreams all but over for India, coach Jose Brasa is looking at the road ahead.

By Adarsh Vinay

After a win against arch-rivals Pakistan had given India's World Cup campaign a flying start, successive defeats to Australia and Spain brought all hopes of a semifinal berth crashing down to earth. But despite being outplayed, coach Jose Brasa believes that the team has come a long way since he first took charge.

"We are getting there. We are still to reach the standards of Australia and Spain, but we are getting there. This Indian side has improved a great deal from what I saw in the first practice session with them in June last year."

"Against Australia it was the pace. They were faster than us. Spain (on Thursday) were more experienced. It showed in the way they took their chances," continued the Spaniard.

Brasa has always maintained that the team has been preparing with the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games in mind and the coach insists that his team is on the right track.

"More matches and more practice sessions. That's what this team needs. After the World Cup, we will play the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games. So India will improve. One can't expect miracles in six months," said Brasa.

Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh echoed his coach's thoughts. "We are improving as a team. That's for sure. We are lucky to have a coach like Brasa. We got him with the Asian Games in mind and I can say he is on schedule to shape this team in time for the Games."

"This World Cup is good exposure for the team. We should use this opportunity to gain experience of playing in big tournaments. Our focus is on the Games," added the 21-year-old custodian.

With Brasa and his team keeping the faith despite their dismal performances at the World Cup, Indian hockey looks like it's on the right track.

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