Three former champs, Malaysia begin campaign in volatile Pool D
Pakistan, Netherlands and Germany together share a total of nine of the 13 World Cups played till date. Add a volatile Malaysia to the pack and it becomes the proverbial group of death.
Three-time winners and traditional favourites, the 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-3 in the last of the four World Cups, including the final of the 2014 edition where they lost 1-6 to Australia in the final.
The Billy Bakker-led team will be taking on the unpredictable Malaysia, coached by Roelant Oltmans in their opening game.
“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),” said Netherlands coach Max Caldas.
On his team’s chances Oltmans was quite realistic. “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 are talented and can upset any team.”
The second match at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday will be between two former champions. Four-time winners Pakistan will take on two-time champions Germany. Though both teams have tasted considerable success in the past, it is no secret that the two teams are undergoing a slight decline.
Pakistan, ranked No.13 and lowest in the group, barely made it to the World Cup until sponsors stepped in the 11th hour.
“The boys have put in a lot of effort. There may be many drawbacks in our hockey structure but this team is united and aiming for a common goal,” said Pakistan head coach Tauqeer Dar.
Germany, on the other hand, will be trying to reclaim their position on the top step of the podium and will look to start the tournament with a big win.
BHUBANESWAR: