India face SA in crucial contest

 High on confidence after the spirited showing against Australia, the Indian men’s hockey team would look to win outright against South Africa in their final group match here on Thursday, even though a draw is enough to seal their semifinal spot in the 20th Commonwealth Games.

Going into Thursday’s crucial match, both India and South Africa have six points from two wins apiece but the Sardar Singh-led side occupy the second position behind Australia in Group A on account of better goal difference.

Last edition’s silver medallist India have a goal difference of plus four as against South Africa’s zero, and the Terry Walsh’s men are fully aware that a draw would be more than enough for them to make it to the knockout stage of the quadrennial event.The Indians would be high on confidence ahead of Thursday’s duel, especially after their impressive performance against regning Commonwealth Games gold medallist and world champions Australia.

India put up a valiant fight before going down 2-4 against mighty Australia, who blanked them 0-8 in the final of the 2010 Delhi Commonwealth Games.