press trust of india
Antwerp, June 27: India’s campaign at the Hockey World League Semifinals has so far been smooth and they would now look to upstage the World Champions Australia in their last match of Pool A here Sunday.
India’s show against Australia will go a long way in deciding the final pool positions, with Pakistan staying in the frame after the sub-continental encounter ended in a 2-2 draw Friday. Australia are on nine points while India are second on seven points while Pakistan are third with four points.
India have managed two victories ahead of the draw against Pakistan, while Australia have posted impressive wins in all their outings, including a 6-1 drubbing of Pakistan.
India coach Paul van Ass is hopeful that his wards will hold their own against the best outfit in contemporary hockey. “Let’s be fair, Australia are No. 1 and India are ranked No. 9 in the world. But we will give our best on the field tomorrow (Sunday),” Van Ass told reporters.
Indian captain Sardar Singh stated that his players are improving with every outing and would be drawing inspiration from their victory over Australia in the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup. “The youngsters are relishing the opportunity, and we are playing well as a unit. We will be confident going into the game against Australia as we had beaten them at the Azlan Shah,” said Sardar.
India’s shaky defence will face its stiffest challenge from the Australian strikers and defenders who advance regularly. The shooters of the ‘blue army’ have also not been on target as they could have clinched a late winner against Pakistan, but muffed three scoring chances in the last five minutes. Also they will have to improve on the penalty corner conversions.