Last Update: January 07, 2023, 13:33 IST
Australian Hockey Team (Twitter)
Expressing optimism, Australia coach Colin Batch said they have strong fundamentals to win the FIH World Cup this time.
Three-time champions and World No. 1 Australia confident of reclaiming FIH Men’s Hockey World The cup will be jointly hosted by Bhubaneswar and Rourkela from January 13 to 29.
Australia last won the title in 2014 in The Hague, Netherlands, where they defended their crown.
In the last World Cup, Australia had to settle for a bronze medal.
“Our players are really excited to be here and we have big ambitions going into the tournament,” Australia captain Eddie Ockenden said after arriving here.
We want to do well and are confident that we will be able to win the title. Our team has a lot of experience and that will be really important for us.”
Australia began their campaign here on January 13 against France and won their first title in 1986 by defeating hosts England.
Australia coach Colin Batch also expressed hope that they have strong fundamentals to win the title this time.
“We have a really good squad and our players are fantastic goal scorers which is really important because it helps you win matches.
Also our defense is really good and we often prevent the opposition from scoring. So, our fundamentals are strong and that makes us a really good side.”
batch said they are looking forward to hosting India If everything goes according to plan then in the knockout stage of the tournament.
“Our players are also excited to face India as they are a completely different side at home. They play good hockey at home and get extra motivation from the crowd. If we play against them, it will be difficult to beat India.”
England, who have been clubbed with India, Spain and Wales in Pool D, also arrived here on Friday for the marquee event.
England, whose best performance in the tournament is a silver medal in the 1986 edition, will open their campaign against Wales on January 13 in Rourkela.
After that, England will take on India in Rourkela on January 15, before heading back to Bhubaneswar, where they will finish their group-stage tie against Spain on January 19.
“I think we are title contenders. There is a lot of belief in our squad as everyone is confident in their abilities and we have also trained well in the last few months.
England captain David Ames said, “We went on a lot of tours and played some top teams like the Netherlands and Argentina, which prepared us.”
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(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed)