"This is the top 8 teams of the world and there will no easy games for any one team. Amongst other countries India is a strong team and we are expecting them to make it to the semi finals," Vanass said after the team training session at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here.
"It will be interesting to see where do we stand post this tournament, as from here we then start preparing for the World Cup. The aim here is to win important matches and qualify for the finals," he said ahead of the Friday clash against Argentina on the opening day of the tournament.
Coach of Olympic champions Germany, Markus Weise also felt that India has world class players with captain Sardar Singh being the key.
"The Indian team is very strong and we hold high regards for them and especially for Sardar Singh. This tournament is the stepping stone to the World Cup. It will be tough for us as we are coming from a situation where the team trained indoor hence now playing outdoor will be tough for us. We are concentrating on basics rather than strategy. The team will give their best shot in the tournament," he said.
"The Indians will be playing in front of their home crowd hence they have to live upto the expectations. Sardar Singh and Manpreet Singh are the good players in the Indian team. We will take the experience of this tournament to the World Cup and which will prove vital for us.