BHUBANESHWAR: The World Cup wall of fame at the Birsa Munda hockey stadium in Rourkela and the roll of honour at the Kalinga stadium here, is a stark reminder about who the giants of the sport are.
On Friday night, the competition will witness speed, skill, character and mental strength as the four top-ranked teams in the world will take centre stage for slots in the final. The semifinalists — Australia, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium — have backed their reputation with form. It is hardly surprising that between them they have won nine of the previous 14 editions of the tournament.
