India most unpredictable team in Hockey World League Final: Australian assistant coach
Graham Reid, Australia's assistant coach says his side can ill afford to take Indian hockey team lightly in the upcoming Hockey World League Final in New Delhi.
- Press Trust of India
- Updated: January 06, 2014 04:48 PM IST
Australia's assistant coach Graham Reid feels India would be the most unpredictable team of the upcoming Hockey World League final in New Delhi.
"We feel that Germany, Belgium and Netherlands are the teams to look out for in the league, but India is the most unpredictable team. The Indian boys can upset any strong team on any given day hence, should be extra careful while playing them," said Reid.
Australia are placed in group B alongside Argentina, Belgium and Netherlands, while India have England, Germany and New Zealand in their pool.
Australia open their campaign against Belgium in the opening match of the tournament on January 10 at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
The reigning world champions are keen to become the first ever side to claim men's Hockey World League title.
"The entire team is excited and looking forward to play here in India. While, because of injury we had to leave behind a few players but the entire team is very confident to face any kind of challenge that the League will throw on us. Our group is very tough with Belgium and Netherlands in it, but we are confident of playing good and tough hockey," said captain Mark Knowles.
The Australian side was beaten into second place at the Hockey World League Semi Final in Rotterdam when they lost in a dramatic shoot-out against Belgium.
The Kookaburras came into the event as Oceania champions, having defeated host nation New Zealand in the tournament final to take the trophy.