‘Title holders Germany will not be under pressure’

NEW DELHI: Young German teenage striker Florian Fuchs says he is aware of his team’s reputation as they chase a hat-trick of hockey World Cup titles, but hopes that the pressure of expectations will not pull them down.

Fuchs, 18, who was drafted into the national team only in November before the Champions Trophy, says the focus of the players would be on the tournament.

Germany have brought almost the same team that reached the final at the Champions Trophy in Melbourne in December.

Germany, however, will be without two senior strikers Christopher Zeller and Florian Keller. Coach Markus Weise is looking to rebuild the team with youngsters like Martin Haener and Fuchs, who were part of the junior World Cup champion side.

“We are a young side. In the last two editions when we won the World Cup, we had a more experienced team. This team is an enthusiastic bunch and we know that we have to perform well. I don’t think the team will be under pressure,” Fuchs said.

“We have to fill in the shoes of some big players, but we can cope with that,” he said.

“Preparations have been going well and in Melbourne we proved that this young side can play well against the best sides of the world.”

“We are aiming to reach the semis and everything is possible from there on,” he said.

Fuchs, the architect of Germany’s title finish at the junior World Cup, said this World Cup will be an opportunity for the youngsters to show their skills.

Fuchs believes that Australia, who beat Germany in the Champions Trophy last year, will be their biggest challenge.

“Australia is a strong contender. We have had some good matches against Australia. They have a strong defence.”

Personally, Fuchs said he is too happy to play his first major tournament.

“For me, it will be the first major tournament ever since I came into the national side. You always want to do well on big stage.”

Fuchs also said that teams like India and Pakistan will have an advantage over others.

“The familiarity in weather conditions gives them an edge. We have come here a week before to get used to the weather and pitch.”s