India have not been able to hit the ground running in the ongoing Hockey World League Final in Raipur, but hockey fans will want the home team to deliver when it matters most as they are set to face Great Britain in the quarter finals of the competition on Thursday.
India, who finished last in Group B, lost to Argentina and Netherlands, while their best performance was witnessed against Germany, which helped them share points with a draw. India are aware of the need to improve when they face Great Britain, who were the best team in the Group A.
Despite their below par performance against Argentina, India looked better against the European giants, Netherlands and Germany.
"We were not at our best against Argentina (in the opening match), but against the world number two (Netherlands) and three (Germany), we showed we have the ability to beat any team. We did not do that because of minute details," PTI quoted India coach Roelant Oltmans as saying.
India needs to find a way to stop Great Britain from scoring, which is going to be a huge task as GB have looked in ominous form in the HWL final so far with 11 goals in the competition, including five goals past the Australians, which must have given them huge confidence to go all the way and lift the title.
With Great Britain possessing players such as Simon Mantell, Alastair Brogdon and Phil Roper among others, they have the much required ammunition to defeat the home team in the quarter final.
However it is not going to a walk in the park for Great Britain as the home team possess some players who can make life difficult for the visitors, though, their star players -- Ramandeep Singh, SV Sunil, Birender Lakra, Sardar Singh -- not being able to deliver so far as expected may be a different part of the story.
With India set to be egged on by the home crowd in the all important quarter finals, these players need to stand up against Great Britain and Oltmans believes the men in blue can emerge triumphant.
"Great Britain can be beaten. If I did not believe that, I might as well go home," Oltmans said.
India have had a fair share of possession in all the round robin matches, but it was their performances in the final third, which was found wanting. Their strikers also have not received top class service from the midfield, which needs to be addressed.
"We missed chances, but don't forget, the top teams have some of the tightest defences in the world. This (lack of goals) has been a concern and we have talked about it in our team meetings. We will try to set the record straight against Great Britain," Oltmans said.
Where to watch live
India vs Great Britain Hockey World League quarter final live match is scheduled for 6:30 local time (1pm GMT) start with live TV coverage in India on Star Sports 1/HD and starsports.com.
UK viewers have the luxury of watching the India vs Great Britain live on BT Sport with live streaming option on Watch BT Sport.
Australia and the US viewers can watch the India vs Great Britain live on Fox Sports and Willow Tv respectively.
