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Stage is set for the mother of all hockey matches between India and its arch-rivals Pakistan on 20th November in Asian Games 2010. In past one year we have had various encounters between both the teams and all the matches have been one sided affair with India convincingly winning all the matches played. Winner of this event will get direct ticket to upcoming Olympics. With India missing out the last Olympics, the players and the coach knows the importance of Asian Games.
India has had good start to this this edition of Asian with big wins against Hong Kong and Bangladesh. The next game is against Thailand who like Hong Kong and Bangladesh is just pushovers. India will face its real test when they face Pakistan on 20th.
India vs Pakistan has always been the most important hockey match in any tournament. And if Olympic berth is at stake, one can need not measure level of intensity and excitement with which the match will be played.
Pakistan is boosted by return of top goal scorer of the world and penalty corner expert Sohail Abbas in the team. This absence was felt by Pakistan team in CWG and with his return Pakistan will have good experience in their defence. Pakistan team will also be helped by Rehan Butt’s good show in their first game against Hong Kong.
This match will also have many individual battles between the players. Here are some of the key battles to look out for: -
1. Sandeep Singh vs Sohail Abbas: - This is the biggest battle of that we may see during the game. Sohail the top scorer of the world will face Sandeep who has one of the best conversion rate (better than Sohail).
2. Rehan Butt vs Sardar Singh: - In form and most experienced Pakistan striker will go head to head against India’s CWG star Sardar Singh. Sardar Singh is the heart of defence and he will have to play major role is stopping the Pakistan’s attack
3. Rajpal Singh vs Sohail Abbas: – India’s best forward will meet Pakistan’s best defender Sohail Abbas. In past one year Rajpal Singh has terrorised many defences and most of the chances are created by Indian captain. So it will very interesting to see how will Sohail Abbas tackle the Indian Hockey Express Rajpal Singh.
4. Battle of midfield: – Battle of midfield is the biggest battle after all, the team which controls the midfield are sure to put pressure on opposition, with India having experienced and smart campaigners like Arjun, Gurbaj and Vikram, will create havoc in Pakistan’s half.
In past one year Indian team has beaten Pakistan easily in every match they have played. I predict a win for India this time also (no way Pakistan can beat this Indian hockey team). Pakistan’s captain Zeeshan Ashraf said that this time things will be different and they want to secure birth for Olympics. I really hope this time Pakistan team makes it tough for Indian hockey team to win, because what is a hockey match that does not have excitement and nail-biting finish.
Go for Gold boys, it is your destiny…………
