LAHORE, Nov 27: Pakistan junior hockey team head coach Manzoor-ul-Hasan Senior said on Wednesday a win against formidable Germany could boost the morale of his players to also win the World Cup to be held in New Delhi from Dec 6 to 15.

“A win against Germany, five-time World Cup winners, can play a vital role in enhancing my team’s morale to win the title for second time,” said Manzoor here at the Johar Town Hockey Stadium while announcing a 19-member Pakistan junior squad for the mega event.

Pakistan, who won the inaugural edition of the event way back in 1979, are placed in pool ‘A’ alongside Germany, Belgium and Egypt.

“The team [for the Junior World Cup] was named following trials held here at the National Hockey Stadium and we believe it is a balanced combination capable of attaining desired results,” a Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) spokesman said, adding PHF president Akhtar Rasool in consultation with the team management approved the squad.

Noting Germany will be fielding a strong team in the showpiece event, Manzoor vowed Pakistan would try their best to carve out a victory against them.“I know it is not easy but it is vital if Pakistan want to win the title,” the head coach insisted.

To a question about the hostile Indian crowd that could turn up during the World Cup matches, Manzoor said the crowd might also support Pakistan if they played good hockey.

“We have played in several events hosted by India in the past, and we always received support from their crowd, except for the matches we played against India.

“But for getting that applause [from the crowd] we have to exhibit some skilful hockey in the coming World Cup,” he said.

Meanwhile, the coach said as full-back Mohammad Khalid Bhatti was suffering from backache Kashif Javed had also been included in the team.

However, the coach added, Kashif would only go to India if Khalid failed to recover fully prior to Pakistan team’s departure on Dec 2.

Manzoor said Khalid had to prove his fitness in the two practice matches, scheduled against Pakistan senior team on Nov 29 and 30 at the Johar Town Hockey Stadium.

Squad:

Mazhar Abbas, Amin Yousuf (goalkeepers); Mohammad Khalid Bhatti, Syed Kashif Shah, Mohammad Faisal Qadir, Mohammad Rizwan Junior, Mohammad Tousiq (vice-captain), Ammad Shakeel Butt, Zohaib Ashraf, Mohammad Umair, Mohammad Umar Bhutta (captain), Mohammad Dilber, Mohammad Aleem Bilal, Mohammad Arslan Qadir, Tasawwar Abbas, Mohammad Irfan, Rizwan Ali, Mohammad Adnan, Mohammad Kashif Javed.—Sports Reporter