High on confidence after their win over Tokyo Games silver medallists Australia in their final pool match, India would look to carry on the momentum and seal a win against Great Britain in the quarter-finals of the men’s hockey competition of the Paris Olympics on Sunday.
India saved their best for their last Pool B match, stunning Australia 3-2 to record their first win over the Kookaburras in the Olympic Games in 52 years.
By virtue of the win, India finished second in Pool B behind reigning Olympic champions Belgium, while Great Britain ended third in Pool A.
The highlight of India’s performance against Australia was the co-ordination between the midfield, led by Manpreet Singh and vice-captain Hardik Singh, and the forward-line, where Gurjant Singh and Sukhjeet Singh stole the limelight.
And come Sunday, India, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medallists, would look for an encore from the two departments to outwit Great Britain, ranked No. 2 in the world.
Abhishek was the livewire in the forward line against the Aussies. Skipper Harmanpreet Singh once again was among goals, scoring a brace and taking his tournament tally to six. The backline also defended stoutly with Amit Rohidas and Jarmanpreet Singh shining bright.
But most important of all will be PR Sreejesh, who is playing his last international tournament this Olympic Games.
The veteran keeper will have to be at his impenetrable best to keep Great Britain at bay.