Thaindian News

New Delhi, Feb 27 (IANS) Pakistan will have an edge over India in their World Cup hockey opener because of their recent good performances against the hosts, Pakistan coach Shahid Ali Khan said Saturday.
Shahid, however, conceded that India will have the advantage of playing in front of a home crowd here Sunday.

“I think we will have an edge over India because we beat them in the last three matches. India will have the home advantage and the crowd will be behind them,” said the Olympian.

The previous meeting between the two teams in the Champions Challenge semi-final at Salta, Argentina, saw Pakistan defeating India 6-3. Before that in the Asia Cup in Kuantan, Malaysia last year, defending champions India lost 2-3 to Pakistan in their opening match.

Shahid said there is not much difference between the teams.

“In our team there are some senior players and some promising youngsters. Same is the case with India. So there is not much difference between the teams.

“The team which can sustain the pressure and make use of the chances will win,” Shahid said.

The 45-year-old, a member of the gold-winning team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, believes that the outcome of the match will decide the group standings.

“The first match is very crucial. In fact, it is the biggest match of the tournament. Both teams will be under pressure to win because this match will determine where we will stand in the pool.”

Australia, the runners up of the last two editions, Spain, South Africa and England are the other teams in pool B.

Shahid said India has been a happy hunting ground for him as a player and hopes that lady luck will be on his side this time also.

“I am visiting India as coach for the first time. Whenever I have come here as a player, it has been special for me. I was part of the 1982 World Cup winning squad, the 1982 Asian Games team, and the 1989 Asia Cup. I hope this time also I will be a lucky mascot for the team.”

Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf felt a fair sprinkling of seniors and juniors in their side will be helpful.

“Senior players like Sohail Abbas, Waseem Ahmed and Shakeel Abbasi will be a big help in the high pressure match against India. They will have to guide the juniors and see that they are not bogged down by the pressure.”

Zeeshan, however, said losing the first game is not the end of road for the teams.

“Yes, it’s a crucial match and a win would certainly lift the team. But there are other matches as well and we have to focus on that.”

“Personally for me it is going to be one of the most important matches of my career.”