India face Pak in Champions Trophy semifinal
BHUBANESWAR: The Kalinga Stadium is all set to witness something that dreams are made of when India take on Pakistan in the semifinals of the 35th edition of the Champions Trophy on Saturday.
Schedule & Results
Even before the tournament began, both the captains had said they would love to play each other in the knockout stage. Their wish has been granted and the stage is now set for a humdinger that a clash between these two traditional rivals mostly turns out to be.
READ ALSO: Six best India-Pakistan Champions Trophy clashes
Although both the teams began on a poor note, they have benefitted hugely from the format. India lost to Germany and Argentina before beating the Netherlands and got past Belgium in the knockout match.
Pakistan finished last in their group after losing to England, Australia and Belgium but came back from behind to beat the Dutch in the quarterfinals.
Saturday's match should be a whole different ball game as Pakistan clash with India, in India, for the first time since the 2010 Commonwealth Games. India had beaten them in that match and also came on top in their last meeting in the Asian Games, but Saturday won't be an easy ride for Sardar & Co.
Pakistan played some great counter-attacking hockey on Thursday and have been more than impressive in converting their penalty corners. Against the world No. 2 side, they won three penalty corners and converted all of them leaving world's No. 1 goalkeeper Jaap Stockmaan stunned.
India will be eager to take advantage of the chinks in Pakistan's defence. (AP Photo)
Their defence, however, remains a concern. The three-time Champions Trophy winners have already conceded 15 goals in four matches, including a thrashing at the hands of England. And India, who like Pakistan played a brilliant counter-attacking game, against the Red Lions, will be eager to take advantage of the chinks in Pakistan's defence.
India themselves have a host of issues to worry about. Their defence has been shaky and it was only in the quarterfinals that they held strong.
In the forward line, Akashdeep Singh, SV Sunil and Danish Mujtaba have done a good job. Sardar Singh has played the impressive pivot but Gurbaj Singh and Dharamvir Singh have been the most impressive in the midfield.
Except for the match against Argentina, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has also been in good form.
On a crucial note, India have not won many penalty corners but their drag-flickers have made the most of the few chances that have come their way. Rupinder has scored twice while Gurjinder has sounded the board once during PCs.
Schedule & Results
Even before the tournament began, both the captains had said they would love to play each other in the knockout stage. Their wish has been granted and the stage is now set for a humdinger that a clash between these two traditional rivals mostly turns out to be.
READ ALSO: Six best India-Pakistan Champions Trophy clashes
Although both the teams began on a poor note, they have benefitted hugely from the format. India lost to Germany and Argentina before beating the Netherlands and got past Belgium in the knockout match.
Pakistan finished last in their group after losing to England, Australia and Belgium but came back from behind to beat the Dutch in the quarterfinals.
Saturday's match should be a whole different ball game as Pakistan clash with India, in India, for the first time since the 2010 Commonwealth Games. India had beaten them in that match and also came on top in their last meeting in the Asian Games, but Saturday won't be an easy ride for Sardar & Co.
Pakistan played some great counter-attacking hockey on Thursday and have been more than impressive in converting their penalty corners. Against the world No. 2 side, they won three penalty corners and converted all of them leaving world's No. 1 goalkeeper Jaap Stockmaan stunned.
India will be eager to take advantage of the chinks in Pakistan's defence. (AP Photo)
Their defence, however, remains a concern. The three-time Champions Trophy winners have already conceded 15 goals in four matches, including a thrashing at the hands of England. And India, who like Pakistan played a brilliant counter-attacking game, against the Red Lions, will be eager to take advantage of the chinks in Pakistan's defence.
India themselves have a host of issues to worry about. Their defence has been shaky and it was only in the quarterfinals that they held strong.
In the forward line, Akashdeep Singh, SV Sunil and Danish Mujtaba have done a good job. Sardar Singh has played the impressive pivot but Gurbaj Singh and Dharamvir Singh have been the most impressive in the midfield.
Except for the match against Argentina, goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has also been in good form.
On a crucial note, India have not won many penalty corners but their drag-flickers have made the most of the few chances that have come their way. Rupinder has scored twice while Gurjinder has sounded the board once during PCs.
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