AMSTELVEEN: Pakistan assistant coach Adnan Zaker believes the Green Shirts can take the pressure off themselves and produce an upset when they face arch-rivals India in their crucial FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup clash on Wednesday.

Pakistan will meet India at the Wagener Stadium on August 19, with the result potentially determining which side advances to the second pool phase of the tournament.

Zaker acknowledged India’s greater investment in hockey but insisted Pakistan have a realistic chance of competing with their arch-rivals.

“India have made a significant investment in their hockey, while we still need time,” Zaker said while speaking to a local news channel.

“However, the match against India will be 50-50. We have nothing to lose. The pressure will be on India.”

Pakistan’s assistant coach also highlighted India’s extensive coaching setup, noting that the hosts have a 14-member coaching staff.

Pakistan captain Abu Bakar Mahmood, meanwhile, said the team would draw lessons from its previous encounters against India.

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The two sides have already faced each other twice in the Pro League, and Abu Bakar said Pakistan would look to address the mistakes made in those matches when they take the field in the World Cup.

The captain expressed hope that the Green Shirts could produce a significantly improved performance against their arch-rivals and secure the result needed to keep their campaign alive.

Striker Rana Waheed also backed Pakistan to overcome India despite the disappointment of their 3-3 draw against Wales in their previous Pool D fixture.

“It is true that we should have won against Wales, but that did not happen. However, we believe we can beat India,” Waheed said.

Pakistan head coach Bob John Vald-Felt recognised the quality of the Indian side but believes his players are ready for the challenge.

“If we beat India in the World Cup and qualify for the next stage, it will certainly be a very big victory,” he said.

Pakistan began their campaign with a 4-1 defeat to England before drawing 3-3 with Wales, leaving them needing a positive result against India to strengthen their qualification hopes.

READ: FIH World Cup: Pakistan’s qualification scenario explained