The 2023 FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup begins in Odisha on Friday, and hosts India will tackle Spain on the opening day in Rourkela. In the build-up to the marquee fixture, Spain coach Max Caldas has mentioned his aspect are nicely ready for the conflict, regardless of being heavy residence favorites and closely partisan crowds.
“We have a very diverse group with youth and experience. We have penalties, goalkeepers, different resources when games don’t end, and a great desire to be Spain and fight for medals,” he was quoted as saying by Marca. was quoted as saying. The preparations have gone precisely as we needed and we’re nicely ready for what’s to return, together with making our debut towards India in a 20,000-seat stadium.”
Welcome Spain!
The Spanish Hockey group has reached Bhubaneswar, all set to compete within the FIH Odisha Hockey Men’s World Cup 2023 Bhubaneswar-Rourkela.#IndiaKaGame #HWC2023 #StarsBecomeLegends @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports activities @media_sai @FIH_Hockey @rfe_hockey pic.twitter.com/k1z692eGg7
– Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) January 8, 2023
Spain are presently ranked eighth within the FIH rankings, simply two locations under their upcoming opponents.
After a poor efficiency within the final World Cup in India in 2018, Spain made some progress within the Tokyo Olympics by reaching the quarter-finals. Like their upcoming opponents, they’ve since reset the group, hiring Caldas, who comes with a stellar repute to guide the Netherlands to the World Cup last in 2018, and have added loads to their squad. All the youth have additionally been included.
Álvaro Iglesias, one of many senior members of the Spanish squad in line to turn into captain, mentioned the addition of this teenager – and his starvation – could possibly be a constructive addition to the group. “I see only positive things and ambition in this team. And we have a lot of new players, who come from the under-21s, who give us a lot of energy.”
Iglesias mentioned he was cherishing the chance to play the high-profile fixture. Hockey India quoted him as saying, “I think it is the most exciting game you can play.”
“We know the stadium in Rourkela is big. We know there will be huge crowds. It will be difficult to hear the instructions from our teammates and the referee as well. But it will be an incredibly exciting atmosphere and we’re really looking forward to playing here.” are eager.”
In a tricky group with India, England and Wales, a new-look Spain group will nonetheless be seeking to qualify for the quarter-finals this 12 months. The group toppers mechanically qualify for the final eight, whereas the second and third positioned groups undergo to the crossover spherical.
With inputs from TheIndianEXPRESS
