Thaindian News

New Delhi, Oct 9 (IANS): India has psychological advantage over Pakistan in Sunday’s tie and at the same will be under pressue to beat them for a semi-final berth in the men’s hockey championship of the Commonwealth Games, coach Jose Brasa said Saturday.

Indian men scored few goals than what was requried against Scotland Saturday and that puts pressues on the hosts Sunday, he told reporters at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium after the match.

Indians beat the Scots 4-0 and are tied with Pakistan at six points. Pakistan, however, has better goal difference of +5 against India’s +2

“Our plan was to score seven goals, but we only managed four. Obviously, it means that we have to beat Pakistan tomorrow,” said Brasa.

With goal difference in Pakistan’s favour, it needs only a draw to qualify for the semi-finals whereas India will have to win the match.

“We started well today, scoring two goals in the first 11 minutes. Thereafter, the Scots defended bravely and were very motivated,” Brasa said.

He said India’s 4-1 victory against Pakistan in the World Cup at the same venue earlier this year would be a psychological advantage for the hosts.

“Yes of course, our World Cup win will be an advantage, but everything is in our hands tomorrow. We have to win and it will be difficult, but we knew even before the tournament began that we had to beat Pakistan. So, we have to do just that tomorrow,” he said.