Asian Games Champion India need a decisive victory over their `Atlanta nemesis` Argentina in the crucial opening Pool `B` match in Sydney on Sunday to keep their hopes alive for an Olympic hockey gold, which has eluded the country for two decades. Asian Games Champion India need a decisive victory over their `Atlanta nemesis` Argentina in the crucial opening Pool `B` match in Sydney on Sunday to keep their hopes alive for an Olympic hockey gold, which has eluded the country for two decades.

The Indians are looking to rebound from the worst ever showing at the Olympics in Atlanta (1996), an eighth place finish, which was precipitated by a shock opening game defeat against Argentina. Indian forwards will have to cut through the crowded and sturdy defence of unorthodox Argentinians notwithstanding Coach Vasudevan Bhaskaran`s assertion that his boys will attack from the word `go`. It is going to be a testing time for Captain Ramandeep Singh and his boys and a lot will depend on the finesse of versatile forwards Dhanraj Pillay and veteran Mukesh Kumar. The present team has a blend of youth and experience. On paper, India have a good forwards in Pillay, Mukesh, Baljit Singh Dhillon, Gaganjit Singh and Sameer Dad. But the million dollar question is how effectively they convert the half chances and penalty corners.

India has a dependable halfline, spearheaded by Skipper Ramandeep, but the defence lacks exposure and so also Jude Menezes under the bar.
Bureau Report