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Rio On Their Minds, India To Clash Against Arch Rivals Pakistan 

Ahead of the crucial Indo-Pak encounter, here is a complete team analysis of the Indian Hockey Team.

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India and Pakistan have faced off in some high-octane clashes in recent months on the hockey pitch. Tuesday’s encounter in the round-robin stage of the Sultan Azlan Shah Cup will be the latest chapter in this spicy rivalry. Pakistan, who have failed to qualify for the Olympics for the first time since 1948 will be eager to send a reminder that they remain a powerful force.

The team that manages to defend the counter-attacks better will have an edge. We are now trying to rebuild our squad. What is important is that we follow our game-strategy, play in a structure and show unity in the field.
Khwaja Junaid, Coach, Pakistan

For the Indian team, there is a lot more riding on the game than just the final score line. It was victory over Pakistan in a thrilling final of the Asian Games in Incheon in 2014 that assured them a spot at the Rio Olympics. Now, with the games looming on the horizon, the team management is putting the finishing touches to the squad and tactics. This contest will provide vital clues for coach Roelant Oltmans and his crew as they build momentum.

The whole of India is waiting for the next game, but I keep telling the boys that this is just another game. We should maintain focus on our game just like in any other match. We have a tough schedule starting with the match against Pakistan.
Roelant Oltmans, Head Coach, India
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Men In The Goal

Several senior players were given a break for the tournament with an eye to give the fringe members of the squad an opportunity. With first choice goalkeeper P R Sreejesh resting, Harjot Singh and Akash Anil Chikte have stepped under the bar. Although they have conceded seven goals in the three matches so far, observers aren’t perturbed by that outcome.

It was important to give them exposure. They have struggled a bit, but that was to be expected.
Viren Rasquinha, Former India Captain
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Form and Results

India has won two matches against lower ranked Japan and Canada so far in the tournament sandwiched between a heavy 1-5 defeat to Australia. Despite creating scoring opportunities, India failed to convert against the formidable Aussies, an area experts believe they need to get sharper in. The 3-1 victory over the feisty Canadians was important considering the teams are in the same pool at the Olympics.

The defense is still an area of serious concern for me. The forward line looks nippy, but they are still not at their best while creating penalty corner opportunities. It is crucial to create 5-6 such chances in the modern game.
Jagbir Singh, Former India Player and Coach
Ahead of the crucial Indo-Pak encounter, here is a complete team analysis of the Indian Hockey Team.
A still from India vs Canada match (Photo: Hockey India)
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Key Tactics

In Jagbir’s view India needs to focus on a couple of tactical aspects before arriving in Rio. Among them is the ability to launch quick counterattacks and improve their ability to turnover the ball fast to convert a defensive position into an attacking one.

It is good to see the Indian team opening up the game while attacking. There has to be a surprise element from the centre of the field. All the players can’t be predictable always.
Jagbir Singh, Former India Player and Coach
Ahead of the crucial Indo-Pak encounter, here is a complete team analysis of the Indian Hockey Team.
A still from the match against Japan (Photo: Hockey India)
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Young Guns

With the core of the playing squad settled, the Azlan Shah cup is a platform for the emerging group of players to shine through. Among them is Harmanpreet Singh, who starred in India’s junior Asia Cup win last year with a tally of 15 goals, hasn’t quite hit his straps yet at the senior level.

This is a great opportunity for him to show his talent in terms of his ability to convert short corner opportunities. It is a chance to fight for a place in the squad for Rio.
Viren Rasquinha, Former India Captain

Quite clearly, for the five-time Azlan Shah Champions, this tournament is more than simply about results. Subduing Pakistan will provide an injection of confidence, but this Indian hockey team has bigger fish to fry in the months ahead.

Ahead of the crucial Indo-Pak encounter, here is a complete team analysis of the Indian Hockey Team.
Still from the India-Australia match (Photo: Hockey India)

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