India will eye redemption after their World Cup exit when they’ll face the newly-crowned world champions Germany of their FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League fixture on Friday. Led by Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian staff had suffered a loss within the last-16 stage of the World Cup held in January.
“Every match at this stage is challenging for us, especially when the oppositions are Australia and Germany,” mentioned the India skipper.
“However, it’s good for us that we are getting to play such challenging matches as our focus is on Asian Games. So, we will make sure that we improve as a team by playing such games and give our best in the future,” he added.
India is about to play their first match after the departure of Graham Reid. The former coach was then changed by Craig Fulton who is anticipated to hitch the staff later. Interim coaches David John and BJ Kariappa shall be at the helm for the 4 matches.
Following their World Cup debacle, India have axed senior gamers Mandeep Singh, Akashdeep Singh, and Amit Rohidas, whereas goalkeeper Krishan Pathak shall be lacking on account of his wedding ceremony.
Having elevated to vice-captaincy, Hardik Singh mentioned India will tweak their technique however their core values will stay the identical.
“There will be minor changes to our strategy, but our core values and principles of the team will remain the same. Also, we will not only focus on our attacking style of play but also work on keeping the possession,” Hardik mentioned.
India, who’re presently fourth within the factors tally, hosted New Zealand and Spain at the Kalinga Stadium final yr in October within the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/2023. They began their marketing campaign with a 4-3 and 7-4 win in opposition to New Zealand, adopted by a 3-2 loss and a 2-2 draw in opposition to Spain.
When it involves Germany, they’re ranked fifth within the Pro League with eight factors from 4 video games and can begin their marketing campaign on a excessive notice after having received the World Cup. Led by Mats Grambusch, the German staff will intention to proceed their momentum.
“All our matches within the World Cup 2023 have been actually shut as we received our quarterfinal and remaining video games via shootouts.
“We secured victory within the semi-final in the previous couple of seconds of the sport. So, contemplating that there shall be many competing video games in opposition to some good groups like Australia, India, Belgium, and Netherlands within the leadup to the 2024 Paris Olympics, we’ve got to enhance what we will enhance and that’s going to be our focus,” Grambusch mentioned.
Rourkela is about to host all six matches, the place India, Germany, and Australia will play one another twice.
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