Pakistan may have done well in the run-up to the World Cup, but expectations back home are lukewarm.

By Anshul Baijal

Pakistan may have the best record in the hockey World Cup, but statistics don’t matter in modern hockey any more. Asian elegance is passé and if modern hockey is a heady combination of speed, power and skills, teams like India and Pakistan almost always start on the back foot.

Pakistan, who will be gunning for their fifth title, are coming back off a 2nd place finish at the 2009 Champions Challenge. A podium finish is something the Green Shirts will be a dying for.

Pakistan captain Zeeshan Ashraf said his team will go all out to win the tournament they last won in Sydney 1994. "We have made top class preparations and I'm very hopeful about our chances in the World Cup," he said.

But back home, the expectations are not huge. Former Pakistan captain Shahbaz Ahmad believes this team lacks capability to go all the way.

"Pakistan have been preparing well. I think they will do well, but I don't expect them to win the World Cup. This team does not have that much capability," Shahbaz said.

Shahbaz added: "The overall standard has gone down. They need to try different things. They will have to add variations n their short corner conversion."

Four-time champions Pakistan kick-off their campaign against arch-rivals India on Sunday. It will be a big game for both the teams, as a poor start will not only dent their confidence but will also hurt their pride.

Interestingly, Pakistan captain Ashraf turns 33 on Sunday and a win against India will be the perfect birthday gift. Ashraf said: "For us, our first match against India is very important and I'm confident that we will win it to set a platform for a strong showing in the World Cup."

But Shahbaz thinks this current team is short of individual brilliance that is needed in any big clash. "If you look at the team, we don’t have anyone who can turn the match on its head. A lot will depend on seniors like Sohail (Abbas), Shakeel (Abbasi) and Rehan Butt."

Pakistan have been hit with discipline issues, with players being reported for dancing with girls during their recent South American trip. Shahbaz believes: “This team lacks discipline and is not in proper shape for a tournament like the World Cup. There are too many flaws in the team."

Pakistan have recalled seniors like Butt and Abbas in the last one year and Shahbaz feels it is a good decision. "The senior players like Sohail, Shakeel and Salman Akbar will have to do well, only then will the Pakistan team progress in the World Cup. If these players perform well, then the juniors will be able to play around them and deliver the goods," observed the 'Maradona’ of hockey.