India will take on Netherlands in the quarter-final match of the 2018 Men’s Hockey World Cup, on Thursday, eyeing a semi-final berth for the first time since 1975! India who finished at the top of Pool C, ahead of Belgium, Canada and South-Africa, will be confident with their performances so far, but the Dutch posses an altogether different challenge.

The Netherlands is placed just ahead of fifth place with India at fourth, so there is nothing to choose between the two nations regarding rankings, but it is the big match mentality that will count! Men's Hockey World Cup 2018, Updated Points Table: Germany, Netherlands Claim Top Two Spots in Pool D With Wins Over Malaysia and Pakistan.

In the past six meetings at big tournaments, the Dutch have beaten India five-time which gives them the upper hand. Let us look at some of the key players involved in this massive game whose performances can have a bearing on the outcome of the encounter. Hockey World Cup 2018 Schedule, Timetable in IST: Check Out Complete Fixtures, Venue of FIH 2018 Men's Hockey WC Matches in Odisha.

Manpreet Singh

The Indian skipper is a powerhouse in the midfield and dictates the tempo of the game. He is used to playing at high intensity and is a brilliant reader of the game. The Dutch will be aware of his marauding runs from midfield and will man mark him tightly. If Manpreet Singh can keep the possession stat in India’s favour, it will be an ideal scenario for the forward line to attack.

P R Sreejesh

Star Indian custodian P R Sreejesh has faltered at big stage for Indian at more than one occasion, but he has the quality. Bring an excellent shot stopper, Sreejesh will be called in action multiple times against a pacey Netherlands attack. It also gives an ideal opportunity for the Indian goalkeeper to make amends for the blunders of Champions Trophy final against Australia and Asian Games match against Malaysia.

Lalit Upadhyay

The nimble feet forward is as an artist on the hockey pitch skipping past opponents drawing with ease with his pace and stick work. He scored twice in the last game against Canada and was easily India’s best player. He will not be given space as compared to the Canada game, but with his confidence level up, he will love to take on the Dutch defenders.

Seve Van Ass

The Dutch striker is one of the best finishers in the game of hockey currently and can trouble the Indian defence with his goal scoring exploits. He is one of the key players of his squad and makes things happen for his team with his brilliant link-up play.

Thierry Brinkman

There are few players of the calibre of Thierry Brinkman in this contest, and the Dutch international is a big game player. He brought calmness to his side and was particularly brilliant in the last game against Canada where he would carve open their defence with some brilliant through passes.

Van Dam Thijs

Having scored two goals in the crossover game against Canada, the young forward will be full of confidence going into the crunch battle against India. If he gets half a chance against India, he is more or less likely to punish the hosts. Hockey World Cup 2018: Here’s What You Need to Know About the Mega Event in Odisha.

It will be interesting to see how these players cope up with the expectations and pressure of a World Cup quarter-final. Whichever team is successful in keeping their composure, the likelihood of them progressing is high.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 13, 2018 02:05 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).