Indian coach Terry Walsh wants Indian team to have self belief as it braces for the last preliminary league fixture against defending champions Australia in the FIH Men's World Cup, here tomorrow.
Australia have already made the semi-finals with four thumping wins, while India are in the fourth place in Group A with four points after posting their only victory over Malaysia yesterday.
India defeated Malaysia 3-2 for their first win in four matches. India's other point came from a 1-1 draw with Spain.
"India are a young team and we are moving positively. We need to keep belief in our ability to put up a good contest against the best sides in the world," said Walsh, motivating his players to go into the game against Australia with a positive mindset.
"Our first objective is to ensure we don't allow chances in the closing stages, and we should start taking our chances and play to a plan that we have prepared," he said.
"I want the team to look at least for one point against Australia, but try for three points," said Walsh, when asked what targets had he set for the team against the world champions.
"If you ask me today whether we have the capacity, I would say "no", but asked about potential, I would say "yes"," said Walsh.
The coach said a positive mindset in the players can transform this team.
"Self-belief plays a big role in every sport, not just hockey," said Walsh.
"The boys understand the things we need to work on. The boys need to know when to be in the right position to score, take penalty corners and to close the gaps for the rivals," he said.
