The Indian males’s hockey staff would look to financial institution on expertise and beneficial dwelling circumstances when it takes on a new-look Germany with an intention to consolidate their lead on the high of the FIH Professional League standings.
India are at the moment on high with 21 factors from 10 video games, 4 away from second-placed Germany, who’ve garnered 17 factors from eight matches. However going into the primary of the double-leg tie on the Kalinga Stadium right here, the Indians would clearly begin as favourites in sultry circumstances in opposition to a German staff that contains of 12 rookies in its roster.
With a half a dozen out of its 22-member squad making their senior debuts throughout the two matches on April 14 and 15, the guests throughout these matches have determined to check kids forward of subsequent yr’s World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics.
The opposite motive behind Germany’s choice to discipline a younger aspect is the unavailability of a few of their common participant, who’re busy with with membership matches again dwelling. And it augurs effectively for the Indians, who’re coming into the tie with a little bit of confidence, having defeated Netherlands 2-1 after which shedding 1-3 in opposition to the identical opponents within the shoot-out throughout the return leg at dwelling.
These two matches are in reality India’s final dwelling video games within the Professional League earlier than they hit the highway for away video games. And the Amit Rohidas-led aspect would undoubtedly look to log out their dwelling marketing campaign with an all-win file in opposition to a less-formidable German aspect.
India vice-captain and star drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh, nevertheless, cautioned his teammates in opposition to taking the Germans flippantly.
“The factor with kids is that they’ll work arduous to show themselves,” stated Harmanpreet on the pre-match press convention.
“Our focus is to ensure we enhance as a staff and never fear about who’s coming. “When it’s skilled opponents, we all know what they do, what their strengths are, however we nonetheless can’t take gamers now we have by no means confronted or seen earlier than flippantly. However anyway, we usually understand how Germany fares and their model of play.”
Germany head coach Andre Henning admitted that dealing with the climate could be their largest process within the upcoming matches as they’re coming from sub-zero temperature in comparison with the intense humid circumstances of Bhubaneswar.
“Our major focus right here is studying and growing. That is most likely the youngest German (nationwide) staff there has ever been. It’s extra of a future-based staff right here, as we’re seeking to create a squad conserving the 2028 Olympics in thoughts. However actually, I don’t know what stage we’re at, he stated.
Henning, nevertheless, stated he gained’t be stunned if his gamers exceed the staff’s expectations within the upcoming two video games. “Once we requested the gamers (about taking part in the tie), everybody was excited, grateful and grateful. We don’t know but if it’s going to work,” he stated.
“It could actually shock us. We’re unsure how we’re going to play. We’ve to get as a lot and as shut as doable. That’s the problem. However I’m completely satisfied.”
The second sport of the tie between the 2 sides can be performed on Friday.