Kuala Lumpur, Sept 24: It will be a "tactical war" when arch-rivals India and Pakistan lock horns for the third time in less than two months in their last league encounter in the sixth Asia Cup hockey tournament here today.
With the wounds of Champions Trophy still fresh, India are desperate to avenge their defeat in the bronze medal play-off in Amstelveen recently and want to get rid of the Pakistan hurdle en route to the final where a win will give them their first ever Asia Cup title and a ticket to the World Cup in Germany in 2006.
But India face a mammoth task, for, Pakistan are on a song with their forward line and defence exhibiting perfect co-ordiantion as was evident in their huge 8-0 victory against Bangladesh and a 7-1 victory over China.
While Pakistan have already assured themselves a place in semi-final with six points from Pool B, india also booked a berth into semi after they blanked Bangladesh 10-0 yesterday.

The concern for both India and Pakistan is, who they would want to meet in the semis. South Korea, who have four points from two matches, have to win their last match against Japan to top the pool.



Which team South Korea wants to meet in semi is another point of interest. Japan, placed in pool a, have also qualified for the semis, the first time since 1985. The toppers of Pool A will meet the second-placed team of Group B and vice versa. Goal average will be taken into account in case teams tie on points.


Bureau Report