Hockey World Cup 2014: Sardar Singh confident of taking on defending champions Australia

The Hague, June 8 (IANS): The Indian hockey team is geared up to take on defending champions and current World Cup Group A toppers Australia at the Kyocera Stadium here Monday.

With India registering their first win of the tournament against Malaysia Saturday, they will now be looking forward to putting up an impressive show against the World No.1 and two-time champions in their fifth and last pool match.

"The team is all set to take on Australia. Our match against Malaysia will act as a motivation as we are all looking forward to play the defending champions. There is positivity in the dressing room which will act in our favour," captain Sardar Singh said.

Meanwhile, the unbeaten Kookaburras will be in their quest of winning their fifth match on the trot.

"We had a good game against Malaysia which has resulted in a morale and confidence boost of the team. Akashdeep Singh is in a good form and is surely to be looked out for in the subsequent matches as well. From our end we will focus on scoring goals and concentrate more on saving the crucial last minute goals of the opponent," chief coach Terry Walsh said.

"Also, we have been poor with penalty corners and are working in the direction. I am sure our world class midfield and an energetic forward line will make us a difficult rival for Australia."