Dec 15: India is in the Pool B of the Hero Honda World Cup to be held in India Feb-March next year. After the completion of the champions Challage I tournament in Salta, Argentina, The FIH Released the pool today
For the first time, India and Pakistan are together in the same World Cup group as it happens now. Last time these two rivals met in the WOrld Cup was way back in 1986, that for the 11th and 12th placing.
Two teams, South Africa and England, who were in the India pool in the last World Cup (Monchengladbach), are again in the same pool.
Defending World Champion Germany is the top seed in Pool A and will meet Netherlands, Korea, New Zealand, Canada and Argentina in the pool phase of the Hero Honda FIH World Cup.
Hero Honda FIH World Cup, 28 February-13 March 2010:
Pool A:
Germany
Netherlands
Korea
New Zealand
Canada
Argentina
Pool B:
Australia
Spain
England
Pakistan
India
South Africa
1 Comment
Yes, we have tough teams in our group, but never discount the “home field” advantage factor.
The team is tangibly good enough to make the semis and beat any of the teams in Pool B. We do have to work on our intangibles- the psychological aspects- of staying focused throughout the 70 minutes of play, not conceding goals in late stages, defending a lead when neccessary etc. We hear a lot about Brasa working on those aspects- and I think we can get there. Question is- can we do it in time for the World Cup- only about 5 weeks away. I have watched all the games at the 1982 Bombay World Cup, and yes, we didn’t take advantage of home field then either (finished 5th- playing on grass)but it looks like Indian Hockey is on the ascendant now. Only time will tell- but don’t dismiss that home crowd pulling for our boys out of hand just yet. Just can’t tell how gradual the slope of the “ascendant” is…….