# PR Sreejesh Asserts India Holds Upper Hand Against Pakistan Ahead of World Cup Clash in Amsterdam

> Former goalkeeper PR Sreejesh stated ahead of the World Cup match in Amsterdam that India has overcome past weaknesses against Pakistan and is well-prepared to handle their arch-rivals.

**Type:** article · **Category:** Sports · **Published:** 2026-08-18 · **Source:** TrendKia
**Canonical:** https://trendkia.com/en/sports/netherlands-men-hone-vale-mahamukabale-se-pahale-pr-sreejesh-ka-bara-dava-pakistan-ke-khilapha-asana-hui-india-ki-raha-18099 · **Language:** English
**Tags:** PR Sreejesh, Indian Hockey Team, India Pakistan Hockey, Hockey World Cup, Amsterdam

Ahead of their upcoming World Cup group stage fixture in Amsterdam, Netherlands, veteran goalkeeper PR Sreejesh has shared his perspective on the evolving dynamics between India and Pakistan, noting that the team has successfully addressed the vulnerabilities that once plagued them against their historic rivals. Both squads are set to lock horns on Wednesday, and the former player believes the squad is fully equipped to navigate the fixture with confidence.

 

## Overcoming Late-Game Deficits

The two-time Olympic bronze medalist pointed out that the fierce edge once associated with India-Pakistan encounters has transformed, driven by massive improvements in fitness, physical strength, game awareness, and decision-making capabilities. Speaking to JioStar, Sreejesh remarked that fixtures against Pakistan are no longer as daunting as they used to be. While conceding goals in the dying minutes or the final quarter was once a recurring issue, the tables have turned, with the national side now frequently securing victories through late strikes.

 

## The Impact of the Four-Quarter Format

Reflecting on structural changes in the sport, the former goalkeeper noted that the transition to a four-quarter format, coupled with proactive internal improvements, helped eradicate the flaws that previously hurt the side in tight contests. In the era of 35-minute halves, fatigue and momentary lapses in judgment often led to costly defensive errors. Although Pakistan retains the capacity to put up a fight, Sreejesh believes their current team level differs from the past, where matches routinely hung in the balance and ended in narrow 1-0 or 2-1 scorelines.

 

## Navigating European Opponents

Shifting focus to broader tournament challenges, Sreejesh emphasized that India must maintain strict defensive discipline when facing formidable European squads. The team has been experimenting with a new tactical approach over the past year and a half, which at times forces a more conservative defensive posture. Nevertheless, strong performances in recent Pro League outings demonstrated the squad's capability to push forward and fight hard.

 

## Balancing Defense and Natural Aggression

Concluding his assessment, the former captain stressed the importance of striking the right balance between defensive solidity and the team's natural attacking flair. He highlighted zonal marking as an area requiring deeper understanding and coordination, advising against retreating too deep into the territory. Instead, he advocated for maintaining high pressure and defending from well beyond the center line to keep opponents on the back foot.

## What this means for you
**Across India:** Hockey enthusiasts and sports fans can expect heightened excitement and renewed confidence ahead of the high-profile encounter, given the squad's recent tactical evolution.

## Questions & Answers

### 1. Where is the India-Pakistan match scheduled to take place?
The match is scheduled as a group stage fixture in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

### 2. What key observation did PR Sreejesh make regarding matches against Pakistan?
He stated that matches against Pakistan are no longer as difficult as they used to be, noting that India now successfully scores late goals to win.

### 3. How has the four-quarter format helped the team?
The format change, along with prior preparations, helped resolve fitness and decision-making flaws that previously caused late-game errors.

### 4. What advice did Sreejesh give regarding European opponents?
He emphasized maintaining defensive discipline and improving zonal marking while retaining the team's natural aggressive play.

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