India vs Pakistan: The teams of India and Pakistan will face each other in the semi-finals of the Asia Cup Under-18 Hockey Tournament being played in Japan on Friday. Before this much-awaited match, an official of the Pakistan team has described India as a strong contender to win the match. He believes that the Indian team will benefit from better preparation and facilities.
Pakistan made it to the semi-finals by defeating China 5-2 in its last group match played in Kakamigahara, Japan on Wednesday. On the other hand, the Indian team has looked in great form throughout the tournament. India had defeated Kazakhstan by a huge margin of 13-0 in the group stage. Apart from this, the team also performed impressively against South Korea and won 4-1.
Japan faces Malaysia in the second semi-final
Indian players have shown a balanced game in both attacking and defensive departments. Host Japan has also performed strongly in the tournament. Japan has won against India, Chinese Taipei and South Korea. Defending champion Japan will face Malaysia in the second semi-final match.
Told better preparation as India’s biggest strength
“India’s preparation for the tournament was very good because they played five matches with the Australian juniors and then did a tour of Europe, whereas we have 12 players who are on the tour for the first time and have not played at the international level,” a Pakistan hockey official told Telecom Asia Sport on Thursday on condition of anonymity.
India also has an edge in facilities and resources
The official further added, “It is a different thing when both the teams train. The Indian team practices with 150 Kookaburra balls, whereas we have only 12, and the rest are of poor quality. Their hockey sticks are also better.”
Pakistan will challenge on the strength of enthusiasm and passion
The official said that despite this, Pakistan players are full of enthusiasm and will try to perform their best. No matter what, we will try our best. He also said that when the opponent is India, the level of enthusiasm among Pakistan players is different.
Like at the senior level, India has dominated Pakistan in junior events also. Out of the last 8 matches played against Pakistan, India has won 7 and drawn one. Pakistan’s last win against India at the junior level was in Johar Barrow in 2016. The Indian team would like to maintain this dominance.
