Aim to make the semi-finals: Argentina hockey coach

Argentina junior hockey coach Carlos Geneyro said that his boys' aim is to make at least the semi-finals of the Junior World Cup that will be played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here from Dec 6-15.

This is the second time Geneyro is visiting India after the 2010 senior World Cup where Argentina finished seventh after beating India 4-2.

"This is my second visit to India post 2010 and the team is in good spirits and all geared up. We realise that standards set for the competition this year are very high and we have practiced and strategised in that manner," Geneyro said at the stadium here Tuesday .

The Olympian, who had played the 1988 and the 1992 Games, said it will be a tough competition and hoped to make it to the semi-finals. Argentina have been clubbed in a tough Pool B with Australia, Spain and France.

"The aim as of now is to be in semi-finals and hoping to give the audience a good show. While every match will be tough but we will also give a tough competition to the opponents. We have a very strong captain in Gonzalo Peillat as he had the opportunity to play in the National team of 2012 Summer Olympics," he said.

Geneyro said the first match against Australia will be crucial.

"We had a very rigorous practice session today and it feels good. While we understand that the standard of the competition is very high this year but we are ready to take them on. Our first match is with Australia and we realise that they are a strong team but we are ready for them and even the other two teams Spain and France who are in our pool," he said.