Amstelveen (Holland), Aug 22: Their confidence shattered by three defeats in four matches, India will have to play some extraordinary hockey against arch-rivals Pakistan today to salvage some pride at the Champions Trophy.
It will be India`s last league encounter and a win will keep alive hopes of India retrieving at least a bronze medal from the disaster that the event has been so far for the hyped Indian team.
It will be a battle of nerves and wits more than skill and strategy when the continental rivals meet at the Wagener stadium because both the sides will be burdened by expecations of an entire nation.
If the Pakistanis feel that they enjoy the initiative, then their optimism is not misplaced, given the sorry state of affairs in the Indian camp that is struggling to come to terms with a string defeats.
Indian coach Rajinder Singh is apparently at his wit`s end trying to make sense out of his team`s poor showing here, much less speak confidently about the upcoming game against Pakistan.

"Yes, any match against Pakistan is a big game for both the teams. I know for sure that people back home would probably forgive the team for its bad showing here if we beat Pakistan.

"It is bound to be a tough match, and hopefully, my boys will be able to put behind them the three defeats and be able to play well," he said.

Bureau Report