India take on hosts Chile in a do-or-die last league match of the Olympic Hockey qualifiers on Saturday night. They have an eye on the final, and a Beijing berth is near, but one slip tomorrow and the dream will be shattered.

If India beat Chile tomorrow, they will play Great Britain in the final for the one Beijing spot that’s up for grabs. And considering Britain beat them 3-2 in the league on Thursday, things aren’t looking too good.

For now, though, the final isn’t foremost on India’s minds — it’s Chile.
India and Austria are on nine points each right now, though India’s goal-difference is much better than Austria’s. But if India contrive to lose against Chile, and Austria manage to scrape past Britain, then there’s no hope for Carvalho’s men.

It’s highly unlikely that both results will go against India though.

Either way, the day’s break was good for a rethink, with the defeat to Britain yesterday having visibly shaken up Joaquim Carvalho’s boys.

The coach was at a loss to explain the up-and-down performance of the team that appeared toothless against Britain after a string of high-scoring victories, but said the players have to be at their best against Chile, who will enjoy home support.

The dramatic drop in form of the Indian team against Britain showed the forwards in poor light as there was little or no coordination.

India should come up trumps here, but the final against Britain will be a different story altogether.

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