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Pakistan cannot be taken lightly
Complacency will be the last thing on the minds of the Indian and Pakistan players as they square off in a crucial Pool B match of the 2014 Incheon Asian Games at the Seonhak Hockey Stadium on Thursday. The Sardar Singh-led Indians know well that nothing can be left to chance against their arch-rivals as it’s a contest where no quarter is given, no quarter asked for. The Terry Walsh-coached Indians will look to apply sustained pressure from the outset and strive to skirt early goals as that can not only put them on the backfoot but also put them under severe pressure.
Let’s not underestimate Pakistan in any way – they possess a fair amount of experience and just because they failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time ever earlier this year does mean that they can be taken lightly. Skipper Muhammad Imran is vastly experienced player, having led the Greenshirts to glory in the 2010 Asiad – he brings loads of experience having featured in three Asian Games and two Olympics and has been in prime form slamming a hat-trick against Sri Lanka en route to scoring four goals. Besides scoring goals with his drag-flicks, he is pretty proficient in defence. With the likes of Shakeel Abbasi – another hugely seasoned pro – Muhammad Rizwan Senior, Waqas and Umar Bhutta, Pakistan has a lot of fire upfront. In fact, as many as three Pakistanis notched up hat-tricks against Sri Lanka in their tournament opener – Umar Bhutta and Muhammad Rizwan Senior, besides skipper Imran.
An even contest
The formidable forward line of the Pakistanis will be up against the equally skillful Indian forward line, which boasts of ‘speedy guy’ SV Sunil who can rattle any opponent with his burst of speed and Pakistan will seek to mark him tightly. Danish Mujtaba and Dharamvir Singh – survivors of the bronze-winning 2010 Asiad team can also cause severe damage along with comeback man Gurwinder Singh Chandi. Young turks like Nikkin, Akashdeep and Ramandeep have shown that they can be counted upon on the international stage.
The key battle will be in the midfield, where Sardar Singh will look to tower over his opponents. If India can held sway over the midfield, half the battle will be won. India have the drag-flick prowess of Rupinder and Raghunath and it remains to be seen whether they can fire under pressure situations.
India have played Pakistan 12 times in Asian Games – winning thrice, losing seven times and drawing twice. The last time India played at the 2010 Asiad, they won 3-2.
The stage is set for a mouth-watering clash!
India- Pakistan encounters in Asian Games
Won 3-2 2010
Won 4-3 2002 (semifinals)Lost 2-3 Korea 1990Lost 1-3 semis 1986Lost 1-7 final 1982Lost 0-1 1978Lost 0-2 1974 (final)Drew 1-1 1974Lost 0-1 1970 (final)Lost 0-2 1962 (final)Won 1-0 1966 (final)Drew 0-0 1958
