New Delhi:
Arch rivals India and Pakistan on Saturday will face off for the second time in the World Hockey League Semifinals after India lost to Malaysia by 3-2 in a quarter-final encounter on Thursday.
India and Pakistan both are out of the title race but will clash for the 5th and 6th place. In the previous encounter against Pakistan, India humiliated them by 7-1 in the group match before facing an upset by Malaysia.
At the other hand, Pakistan lost to Argentina by 1-3 in the quarterfinal of the league’s semifinal round, which was also the qualifier for Hockey World Cup at London’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
Before the match, confident Indian team coach Oltmans said it will not be a one-sided game like the previous one but India will again win.
“All I can say is that the cricket teams met twice, so let’s play twice at hockey also. However, we’re looking to repeat our win over Pakistan in the second hockey contest,” said Oltmans.
“Everybody knows the emotions involved in India versus Pakistan matches. I can tell you it won’t be 7-1 again,” said the coach.
