After a dominating display in group stages of the Junior Hockey World Cup, which saw tournament favourites India top their group unbeaten, they will now turn their attention to the quarter finals where they will face Spain.
India were clinical in their first match against Canada, which saw them win 4-0 but in their final two matches against England and South Africa they let their momentum slip in phases. In their win against England they let their focus slip, which saw them concede two goals in the final 10 minutes of the match. Against South Africa, after dominating the first 15 minutes of the match they started to fade away. India had to really work hard for their 2-1 victory.
Coach Harendra Singh knew India were not at their best against South Africa and he hopes they perform better in the quarter finals against Spain by playing "simple hockey".
"I was surprised with our performance because we didn't play to our potential after the first 15 minutes (against South Africa). I always say that I don't think about opponents, I am always concerned about our own methods. We play simple one-touch hockey and that is what we should play. We just didn't play simple hockey (against South Africa) but the good thing is that it has happened before the knockout stages", the Indian Express quoted the coach as saying.
India will have a slight mental advantage leading up to their quarter final match against Spain since they defeated the Spaniards twice in the recent four-nation tournament in Valencia. India went on to win that tournament by defeating current Junior Hockey champions Germany and this should give the home team the much-needed confidence for their quarter final encounter. India has not won the Junior Hockey World Cup since 2001 and they will be eager to break that jinx in this tournament.
Despite India being the favourites to win the match against Spain, tournament coach Harendra Singh has warned his players not to take this match lightly.
"In a World Cup we can't afford to take any team lightly. We have defeated Spain twice in Valencia but here it is altogether different. Every participating team wants to win the World Cup," Singh said.
Where to watch live
India vs Spain is set to begin at 6:00 PM IST
India: TV: Star Sports 4/ Star Sports HD4. Live Streaming: Hotstar
International: Live Streaming: Olympic Channel
