The Indian men’s hockey team is all set to take on world’s best team Australia ahead of the World Cup. Team India will have to re-evaluate its own weakness and strength just before facing the world’s mightiest Australia.
Facing the much-dominant Kookaburras in World Cup hockey has always been a tough task for the Indian side, but this time around Graham Reid’s side will be a force to be reckoned with since their last win at the Tokyo Olympics.
For those who don’t know, at the CWG finals in Birmingham, team Australia thrashed India by straight 7-0 displaying their dominance one-sidedly.
India has come this far with two victories in hand, the first against the New Zealand team and the second against Spain which is ranked eighth and ninth respectively. But when the comparison is done, Australia is far mightier than the lower-ranked Spain and New Zealand.
The most awaited FIH World Cup is just 50 days away which is held in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela and as per both team’s senior officials (Coach) is a vital game ahead of the world Cup.
“This series is really important for us coming up to the World Cup in January. It’s great that India are here. We love playing against them and this will be great competition for us”
The Australian coach Colin batch before the even said
He further said that the Indian team is indeed a strong team and these matches ahead of the mega event will enable them to take some strong steps ahead of the World Cup. See what he said,
“India is a really strong team and these will be the only matches we will play before the World Cup. We feel like we can take some strong steps in our preparation for the World Cup.”
“There is no better place to come than Australia for preparation for the World Cup.
“Australia’s way of play is very grounded in India. What’s great about this series is that both teams get to learn about the different skills that both bring to the table,”
the Indian side Reid (Indian hockey Coach) said
“This series is really important for us. When you are preparing for a mega event like the World Cup, it’s always good to play against the best in the lead up,”
the Indian skipper Harmanpreet Singh said
He also added further,
“It is great to be in Australia after so many years gap. Due to Covid we couldn’t travel here, there are many passionate Indian hockey fans here and we always love playing in front of them. I am looking forward to good matches here.”
FIH World Cup 2023 group
- Pool A – South Africa Argentina, France, Australia
- Pool B – Japan, korea, Germany, Belgium
- Pool C – Chile, Malaysia, New Zealand, Netherlands
- Pool D – England, India, Wales, Spain
The first match of the 15th edition FIH World Cup will be played at the newly built Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium which is situated in Rourkela, starting from January 13th. In total 44 matches will be played and will last on January 29th lasting at the Kalinga Stadium.
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