Harendra Singh's shouts reverberated across the main pitch here at the Hockey Club in Breda. He egged on the boys, pushed them and wanted more intensity. On a day of bright sunshine with the stadium bathed in it warmth and glow, the Indian national team, sitting on top of the table with six points was putting in a comprehensive training session.

It's been a two-day rest period before they take on World Cup champions Australia today in what could be a needle game in deciding the approach to the podium. With wins over Pakistan (4-0) and Olympic Champions Argentina (2-1), India would push that extra in extracting another three points; making a top three finish look that much easier.