Pakistan take on India in what is likely to be a cracking opener to the World Cup in New Delhi. -File photo

ISLAMABAD National hockey team coach Shahid Ali Khan has claimed that Pakistan is in good shape and will not disappoint the nation in this year's World Cup starting in New Delhi at the end of this month.

“We are aiming at a spot in the semi-final stage of the mega event and for that we have done all the necessary work,” he told APP.

He said a place in the semi-final of quadrennial spectacle would also mean that Pakistan qualify for Champions Trophy.

Pakistan will take on their neighbours, India in the World Cup opener on February, 28. “The first game is very crucial as success in that fixture will pave way for further wins,” he said.

Shahid, a former Olympian, agreed that there would be immense pressure on both the teams in that match. Although India, he said would have the benefit of home conditions, Pakistan were a better side, which was evident from their past record.

“We are also psychologically stronger as we have been defeating them (India) consecutively in the recent past,” he added.

He said he was sure if Pakistan play their natural game they would be victorious against their arch-rivals. He also sounded confident that his charges would make their presence felt not only in the first game but throughout the mega event.

“I have been working closely with the boys. They have worked really hard in past couple of months and look in good in form. They are also upbeat about their performance,” he added.

About Pakistan team's habit of conceding goals in the last minutes of the game, he said it was one of the areas the team had been working in training camp. “We have identified our shortcomings and besides improving fitness level of the boys, we have been giving extra attention to our endurance levels. I am sure this time we will be able to eradicate our weaknesses,” he added.

The national hockey coach said that he had not only been working to help his outfit plug loopholes in the defence but also in the offence. He said consistency would be a key to success in the World Cup. “We have to be consistent throughout the event and will concentrate on all the matches equally,” he said.

Shahid said he was happy that team's forward line was scoring field goals, while shorter-corners remained the trump for Pakistan with the presence of two powerful flickers — Sohail Abbas and Muhammad Imran.

The Pakistan team is scheduled to reach India on February 22 and will later play two practice matches out of which the one against New Zealand has been confirmed on February 25.