Get set for yet another Ind-Pak classic with big stakes at hand-10/10/2010

10/10/2010

Get set for yet another Ind-Pak classic with big stakes at hand

The big battle is back. Indian crowd showed their amazing sporting spirit on the day of CWG opening ceremony when they gave the Pakistani contingent a rousing reception. Will the same spirit continue between players when India and Pakistan cross ‘sticks’ at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium tonight?



Battle: India Vs Pakistan

Venue: New Delhi

Stakes: A place in the semi finals of CWG 2010

It hasn't been this big between India and Pakistan in the sporting arena in a long time. Cricket has been non-existent after bilateral relations worsened and the two sports-hungry nations had to wait for the Commonwealth spectacle to unleash their on-field rivalry again. India has psychological advantage over Pakistan in Sunday's tie and at the same will be under pressure to beat them for a semi-final berth in the men's hockey championship of the Commonwealth Games, coach Jose Brasa said Saturday.



Inferior goal-difference hangs over India

Indian men scored few goals than what was required against Scotland Saturday and that puts pressures on the hosts Sunday, he told reporters at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium after the match.

Indians beat the Scots 4-0 and are tied with Pakistan at six points. Pakistan, however, has better goal difference of +5 against India's +2

"Our plan was to score seven goals, but we only managed four. Obviously, it means that we have to beat Pakistan tomorrow," said Brasa.

With goal difference in Pakistan's favour, it needs only a draw to qualify for the semi-finals whereas India will have to win the match.

"We started well today, scoring two goals in the first 11 minutes. Thereafter, the Scots defended bravely and were very motivated," Brasa said.

He said India's 4-1 victory against Pakistan in the World Cup at the same venue earlier this year would be a psychological advantage for the hosts.

"Yes of course, our World Cup win will be an advantage, but everything is in our hands tomorrow. We have to win and it will be difficult, but we knew even before the tournament began that we had to beat Pakistan. So, we have to do just that tomorrow," he said.



India beat Scotland, go level on points with Pak

New Delhi: India cruised past Scotland 4-0 for their second win in three pool A matches of the men's hockey competition at the Commonwealth Games here Saturday and are tied with Pakistan, whom they take on Sunday, on points.

Leading the Indian charge was 20-year old Dharamvir Singh with two goals (13th, 61st) while Sarvanjit Singh (8th) and Dhananjay Mahadik (61st) chipped in with one apiece.

India and Pakistan have six points each and play Sunday to decide the second qualifier for the semi-finals from this pool.

Pakistan are better placed on goal-difference with +5 to India's +2 and a draw on the morrow will end home team's medal hopes.

Earlier, Australia confirmed their entry into the semi-finals from pool A with a 1-0 win against Pakistan for their third consecutive success, courtesy Chris Cirello's first-half penalty corner conversion.

Similar tight scenario in pool B

The scenario in pool B has England (7 points), New Zealand (6) and South Africa (6), besides Canada (4) in the running for the two semi-final slots that will be decided after Sunday's concluding league fixtures.

England strengthened their chances with a 5-3 defeat of New Zealand while Canada got into the frame by beating Trinidad and Tobago 2-0 to take their tally to four points.

Canada can make the semi-finals if they beat New Zealand on Sunday as also South Africa who face England.

In the match with Scots, Indians dominated as was expected and were up 2-0 by the 13th minute with Sarvanjit Singh and Dharmavir Singh scoring from open play.

The Scottish defence committed elementary errors that led to the goals, but India took them anyway.

Crossing over, Mahadik converted a penalty corner to put India ahead 3-0 in the 51st minute and towards close, Dharamvir flicked home a Rajpal Singh pass for the final goal of the night.

The Scots had better look at the Indian goal in the second-half, but did not get a clear opening to score as the Indian deep defence stood up well under pressure.