Ordos: Their confidence sky-high after an unbeaten run in the league stage, a vivacious India will lock horns with arch-rivals Pakistan in what promises to be a cracker of a final in the inaugural Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Sunday.
After their pulsating 2-2 draw in the group match on Friday, the stage is set for another thrilling encounter between the traditional rivals.
In the group match, India fought back after being 0-2 down as both teams played a cautious game, intent on reaching the final.
Sunday should see a thriller as both have nothing to lose, though hockey fans in both the nations would love to see their respective teams to triumph.
India have done well to reach the final. Critics and a host of former players believed that the team without their stars would not be able to deliver. But Michael Nobbs' team has surprised many.
"I was very nervous when we came here," admits Nobbs.
"But after the match against China, I knew we were good. I am glad that investing in the youngsters has paid off. So reaching the final is not a surprise anymore."
India are the only unbeaten team in the championship and with a goal difference of +7, they are ahead of the others in the scoring department.
The forward line has been India's biggest trump card in the Champions Trophy. From the moment they beat China 5-0, the momentum was there to ride on.
Twice, India has fought back from deficits - Against Malaysia they were losing 1-2 and drew the match 2-2, while against Pakistan they were down 0-2 and fought back with two goals.
It is that spirit that India would play on in the final against Pakistan.
"This team has handled pressure like pros. They needed an incentive and now the team has got it by playing a final."
"Whatever the result, we will throw everything into the match," India's coach Nobbs said.
"We don't play for draws or play defensive. We go for wins and we go for goals."
If the Indian team management has to worry about something, it is the failure to convert the penalty corners.
India have had 23 penalty corners in the tournament and have only scored thrice.
"The problem is not about conversion, it's about the rusher coming directly at the flicker," said Nobbs.
"It's a FIH directive that the rusher should not run directly to the flicker. So what happens is that Pakistan is running straight to the flicker."
"I will probably have a talk with the umpires and it is clear they are not reviewing the matches. But when our rusher ran straight, the umpire hauled him up. There needs to be a clear consistent line in umpiring."
Meanwhile, Pakistan captain Muhammad Imran does feel the pressure of an India-Pakistan final.
"The public wants both the countries to win."
"Unfortunately, only one nation can win and that adds to the pressure. But we will go all out and ensure that good and attacking hockey in the true Asian style is played," he said.
Nobbs, though, believes that his players will not buckle under pressure of playing Pakistan in the final. "The pressure will be on me," he says.
"It's my first final as coach of India against Pakistan. The boys are all excited and ready to go for the final."
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