A demoralising semifinal defeat behind it, the Indian men’s hockey team would need an error-free performance from its defence to secure an Olympic medal after 41 years when it takes on Rio Games Bronze-winner Germany in the third-fourth place play-off match on Thursday.
The Indian defence will have to pull up its socks and avoid repeating the same mistakes which it made against Belgium if they desire to stand on the podium here.
The onus is on the likes of Harmanpreet, Rupinder, Surender Kumar, Amit Rohidas and star goalkeeper PR Sreejesh will have to be on their toes to come out triumphant against the might of Germans.
The Indians also need to avoid unnecessary tackles in front of their circle.
Going by rankings, there is hardly anything to differentiate between the two sides as India are currently on third place and Germany on fourth. But Germany would be a tough nut to crack. Having lost 1-3 against Australia in the semifinals here, the Germans would be determined to prove a point.
Having failed to secure the Gold medal here after two successive yellow metals in 2008 and 2012 Games, the Germans had to settle for a Bronze in Rio 2016 and they would be determined to at least return with a podium finish from here. In the Olympics, both the sides have faced each other 11 times recording four wins each and three games ending in draw.