Wednesday, September 6 2006 12:18 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Monchengladbach: Placed in a tough pool that includes holders Germany and Champions Trophy winners the Netherlands, the Indian hockey team is set to begin their campaign in the 11th World Cup for men, here today (6 Sep, 2006).

With a refurbished team and a new coach in Vasudevan Baskaran, Dilip Tirkey-led India will play Germany in their opening pool B league fixture.

The Indians have been through a testing period since finishing 10th at the 2002 World Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the scene of their only triumph back in 1975.

"The players are motivated and we hope to do well here. Realistically, our target is to qualify for the semi-finals," says Baskaran.

Since Baskaran took charge of the team earlier this year, the team has had little international match play and this is something the coach is conscious of.

"If I had more time, then we would have been better prepared," he says.

A four-nation tournament here followed by the Azlan Shah Cup competition in Kuala Lumpur have been the only preparatory events for India, besides the three warm-up games since their arrival in Germany.

Even before the Indians left for the World Cup, they suffered a huge setback when their key player and penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh was injured in a freak accident.

"His absence will be felt, but then, we need to look forward," says Baskaran.