Against Australia on Thursday, India will need to draw on all the morale that was boosted by their win over South africa on Tuesday. UTHRA GANESAN sets out the balance sheet and finds that the cons outweigh the pros WHY INDIA CAN WIN • India’s two losses in the past two years on neutral ground weren’t too bad: one match (Champions Trophy 2003) the Aussies were lucky to win, one match (Azlan Shah 2004) India fielded a young team • India seem to be hitting form. Their opening match loss to defending champions Holland was followed by the rousing win over South Africa • India’s famed forward line, which appeared rusty in the first match, has shown signs of recovery. Especially Dhanraj Pillay, whose play directly affects his teammates • The Aussies themselves aren’t in the best form. Coming into the tournament as joint favourites, they were held by Argentina in their very first match. And since South Africa beat Argentina, and India beat South Africa, so logically we are better than Australia! HOW INDIA CAN LOSE • The other side of the past two years’ record: India won 1, drawn 2, lost 6. Stats are stacked against India • Australia have an awesome Olympic record, the only side to win a medal in the last three Games. So they have the pedigree to win • The Indian defence has held up well so far but revolves mostly round skipper Dilip Tirkey, backed by ’keeper Adrian d’Souza. But the rest appear shaky and need to raise their game if India are to keep the marauding Aussies at bay • Though India improved against South from their first match, they were yet to show signs of gelling as a unit. In contrast, Australia have a compact defence and a fighting attacking unit. In Jamie Dwyer and Grant Schubert they have two of the most reliable goalscorers today, while Brent Livermore and Troy Elder hold up the midfield nicely
