Our World Cup begins now, says India coach after sealing QF berth

Chief India coach Harendra Singh on Saturday said for him the pool matches were a four-nation event and the real World Cup begins now after the hosts grabbed a direct entry into the quarterfinal with a 5-1 thrashing of Canada here.

India topped Pool C with seven points on account of a better goal difference than Olympic silver medallist Belgium and will play their quarterfinal game on December 13.

"Those who have visited my room know I have already written who we will play in the quarterfinals and who in the semifinals. For me a four-nation tournament has finished and the World Cup starts now," Harendra said.

"From quarterfinals you can smell a medal. The actual tournament starts with the next game."
"We were too much in a hurry. We were lacking in the final execution. I think we have to throw out the childish instinct."