India vs Pakistan, Asia Cup Hockey: India hope to continue Pakistan onslaught

Last time India played Pakistan, they spanked the arch-rivals 6-1 at the World Hockey League in London.

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India take on Pakistan in their third group game of Asia Cup.

Last time India played Pakistan on a hockey pitch, the team was being coached by Roelant Oltmans, the venue was London and the tournament was Hockey World League. On Sunday, when the two rivals take the pitch once again, many things have changed. India are now coached by Sjoerd Marine and the focus has shifted to Asia Cup with the side preparing for the Hockey World League final in under two months.

Back then India had emerged triumphant by a whooping 6-1 margin, if India’s start to Asia Cup is any indication then another thrashing is on the cards. India started the Asia Cup with a 5-1 win over Japan and added a 7-0 win over hosts Bangladesh to their Group A fixtures on Friday. The wins helped India through to the Super 4. Pakistan, on the other side, beat Bangladesh by the same margin before being held by Japan (2-2).

In the first two games, India have displayed beautiful one touch passing which has been rewarded with field goals and plenty of penetration inside the area. Chances have come and been created from both flanks. However, India’s problems with penalty corners have continued even under Marine. Against Bangladesh, India earned 13 penalty corners and converted just two with the first goal coming on the ninth attempt.

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Pakistan might not be a force to reckon with on the hockey pitch anymore – especially if their records in the recent past are considered – but an India-Pakistan game brings out the best in anyone. A perfect example of that is the Pakistan cricket team which beat India in the ICC Champions Trophy to end their dismal record in ICC events.

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On Sunday, India will have to once again be in complete control – sportingly and emotionally – if they are to get the better of Pakistan. Any lapses would rue the good work done in the first two games including the confident win over Japan.

Pakistan would be eager for revenge following that 1-6 hammering in London as it proved to be the reason for them missing next year’s World Cup to be held in Bhubaneswar. In Asia Cup itself, it is an important game for Pakistan as Japan are expected to trounce Bangladesh leaving the 14th ranked Pakistan all to do against India.