NEW DELHI, (DNA) – The drama continues at the 2018 Hockey World Cup as Germany and Pakistan get set to lock horns in what will be the 8th match of the coveted tournament and 2nd match of Pool D. The German team were once considered the heavyweights in World Hockey but have witnessed a slight slump in form in the recent past.

They were the Olympic gold medallists in 2008 and 2012 and went on to bag bronze in the 2016 Rio Olympics. Their last performance at the World Cup was not at all satisfactory compared to their gold standards as they finished at the 6th position.

Stefan Kermas and his troops have not managed to achieve much success in 2018 and will be looking to break the jinx with a podium finish at the Bhubaneshwar Hockey World Cup. In no way will the sixth-ranked Germans take 13-ranked Pakistan lightly as the latter also have an enviable squad. The main focus for the German team will be to get momentum early on in the tournament as the format of the 16-team 2018 Hockey World Cup is such that each game is of paramount importance.

30-year-old captain Martin Haner and 31-year-old Tobias Hauke — who were both part of the gold medal-winning team of the 2012 London Olympics — will look to make their experience count and bring glory to their nation. Christopher Ruhr, Mats Grambush, and Florian Fuchs will be the three players who will provide the critical strength and stability up front.