India’s most experienced player, Manpreet Singh, who has 419 caps, said his side would not underestimate Pakistan.
“The match against Pakistan will be good, but we are not underestimating them. They also have good drag-flickers, so we will have to avoid giving them penalty corners. We must also create opportunities and capitalise on them. We must focus on our natural game,” Manpreet said.
Pakistan captain Abu Bakar Mahmood echoed the intensity surrounding the contest, insisting past records would have little relevance.
“Rankings or past performance don’t matter in a match between India and Pakistan. The team that plays well on match day will win, and we know how important this match is for our hockey, so we will leave no stone unturned,” he said.
The last World Cup meeting between the sides came in Delhi in 2010, when India won 4-1.
With only captain Mahmood and Ammad Butt having previous World Cup experience in Pakistan’s squad, India will start as favourites but cannot afford complacency.
