Pool D: Three former champs, Malaysia begin campaign
BHUBANESWAR: Pakistan, Netherlands and Germany share nine of the 13 World Cups played till date. Add a competitive Malaysia to the pack and it becomes the ‘Group of Death’. With these teams, Pool D is unquestionably the most exciting in this 14th edition.
Three-time winners Netherlands can never be counted out of contention for the top prize given their record. Though they last won the World Cup way back in 1998, the Dutch have finished in the top three in the last four World Cups, including the final of the 2014 edition where they lost 1-6 to Australia.
The Billy Bakker-led team will be taking on the unpredictable Malaysia. Though ranked No 12, the Roelant Oltmans coached Asian side can upset the best in the world on their day.
“Malaysia are a good team. We need to be at our best to get a positive result. We are confident but we realise it’s the first game of the tournament (for us). Plus Malaysia are coming here with a very experienced coach,” said Netherlands coach Max Caldas.
“We know we are not coming here to win the World Cup. Our main aim is to build our team and then qualify for the Olympics. But these boys can upset any team,” Oltmans said.
The second match at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday will be between two former champions. Four-time winners Pakistan will take on twice champions Germany. Though both teams have tasted considerable success in the past, it is no secret they are both grappling with decline.
Pakistan, at No 13 the lowest ranked team in the group and cash-strapped, barely made it to the World Cup until sponsors stepped in the eleventh hour. Add to it, the downswing the game has seen over the last decade or so in the country that is the most successful at the quadrennial event.
Germany, on the other hand, will be trying to reclaim their position on the top step of the podium and would like to start the tournament with a big win.