0
KARACHI As Pakistan gear-up for a high-octane World Cup encounter against archrivals India on Sunday, hockey captain Zeeshan Ashraf says a win in the crucial match will help Pakistan tackle other group opponents.
The old foes, once the masters of the game, will clash on the opening day in a marquee match that organisers claim had been sold out at the 19,000-seater Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi.
The skipper brushed aside the dull 1-1 draw with a low-ranked Canada in a practice match saying it would not affect the performance of his side against hosts India in the opener.
“That draw against Canada was just an assessment of our side. We played three 20-minute halves according to the game plan. It was just a practice game. The real test starts when the tournament begins. And for us, it will be the result of the match against India which will make a huge impact. If we win, it will be a big boost for us,” Ashraf told Dawn.com in an exclusive interview from New Delhi.
The full-back does not expect senior players to feel pressure in the crucial match against India. He said although junior players might be under pressure while playing against traditional rivals, the seniors must set a precedent to show how to play in tense conditions on India's home ground.
“It could be a tough situation for junior players, but I don't think seniors will be under any pressure. They should set an example for their junior teammates.”
Besides Ashraf, the Pakistan side includes seasoned penalty corner specialist Sohail Abbas and half-back Waseem Ahmad who were recalled for the Asia Cup last year in Kuala Lumpur. The pair had opted to play in league in Europe after 2006 World Cup in Germany.
While Abbas has crossed the 300-goal mark and also holds the world record for most goals, it is yet to be seen whether his presence could bring laurels for Pakistan at the World Cup.
Ashraf believes India will enjoy the advantage of playing in their own backyard and it could add pressure on the visitors.
“India will have home ground and crowd advantage, but as far as the pitch is concerned, it is a new surface and it will be the same for both teams.”
Despite the home advantage, India may be under pressure as the last time both teams met, Pakistan scored a 6-3 win the Champions Challenge semi-finals in Salta, Argentina.
Apart from the inclusion of penalty-corner specialist Sandeep Singh, India have not made any changes in their squad from the Challenge Cup.
Pakistan consider Australia to be the most formidable side of the tournament and their group, Ashraf said.
“Australia are the toughest side but we will think about each opponent one at time and once we cross the first hurdle (India), we will look ahead.”
Agreeing with his captain, Pakistan's forward Rehan Butt said his side's most crucial match will be the one against India.
“The match against India will be indeed very important. India are a good side but we are ready for it. The 1-1 draw against Canada is not important as we didn't play a full-strength side. I had injured my shoulder during a practice session before the match, while Akhtar (Ali) was also hit by ball. So team management tried different combinations as it didn't want to put too much strain on us before the India match,” said Butt, adding that he is now fit for the opener.
Meanwhile young striker Haseem Khan - who made his debut in 2008 Hamburg Masters and then made headlines for scintillating performance at Asia Cup last year - said he is under no pressure despite this being his first World Cup outing.
“There is no pressure on me at all. It will be like any other match for me. I think it will be India who will be under pressure for playing in front of their home crowd,” he said.
Pakistan's first match will be followed by a match against Spain on March 2. The greenshirts then play England on March 4, South Africa on March 6 and their last group match against Australia on March 8.
