Asian Champions Trophy: India to play attacking game against Pakistan

ORDOS (China): India will display aggressive hockey when they face arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the first edition of the men’s hockey Asian Champions Trophy on Sunday.

India, with a blend of experience and youth in the team, have surprised everybody in the tournament and in their last group tie came back from 0-2 to draw the match against Pakistan.

Indian forwards performed well in the tournament and that was reflected in the +7 goal difference that the team enjoys.

India’s newly-appointed coach Michael Nobbs said his team would play an attacking game in the final against Pakistan.

“This team has handled pressure like pros. They needed an incentive and now the team has got it by playing a final. Whatever the result, we will throw everything into the match,” Nobbs was quoted as saying by Indianhockey.com.

But what worries the Australian is India’s failure to convert penalty corners.

“The problem is not about conversion, it’s about the rusher coming directly at the flicker. It’s a FIH directive that the rusher should not run directly to the flicker. So what happens is that Pakistan is running straight to the flicker. I will probably have a talk with the umpires and it is clear they are not reviewing the matches. But when our rusher ran straight, the umpire hauled him up. There needs to be a clear consistent line in umpiring,” he said.

India captain Rajpal Singh, along with Gurbaz Singh, is the only player with the most experience of playing against Pakistan.

“We haven’t lost a match in the tournament. We would play our natural game and attack to get goals,” Rajpal was quoted as saying by the website.

Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran said he feels the pressure of an India-Pakistan final.

“The public wants both the countries to win. Unfortunately, only one nation can win and that adds to the pressure. But we will go all out and ensure that good and attacking hockey in the true Asian style is played,” he said.

Pakistan team manager Khwaja Junaid is satisfied with the results in the tournament.

“We have performed better here. It will be a tough match in the final but I am satisfied by the way the team performed. We played as per the plan but we will have to be mindful in the final,” he said.