NEW DELHI: Despite India being at their home, Pakistan will have an upper hand over their arch-rivals as they have had a string of good performances in the recent past which will come in handy when they take on hosts in their Hockey World Cup opener here tomorrow, believes the touring coach Shahid Ali.

Pakistan have had more success in the recent past against India whom they thrashed 6-3 in the Champions Challenge I semi-final in Salta, Argentina which was the last time when the two nations clashed.

The Indians were also beaten 2-3 by Pakistan in the Asia Cup in Kuantan, Malaysia last year.

''I think we will have an edge over India because we beat them in the last three matches. India will have the home advantage and the crowd will be behind them,'' Ali said.

India and Pakistan will clash tomorrow on the opening day of the World Cup and Ali is well aware that both the sides possess a tough side which is good enough to surprise any opposition on their day.

The Olympian said there is a good blend of experience and youth in both the teams, so there is not much to separate between the two sides.

''In our team there are some senior players and some promising youngsters. Same is the case with India. So there is not much difference between the teams.

''The team which can sustain the pressure and make use of the chances will win,'' he added.

Ali also admitted that with expectations high on both teams there will be a huge pressure on the two teams and the result of the match could well decide the final group standings.

''The first match is very crucial. In fact, it is the biggest match of the tournament. Both teams will be under pressure to win because this match will determine where we will stand in the pool,'' said Ali who was the member of the gold-winning Pakistani team at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.

Captain Zeeshan Ashraf endorsed his coach's views and said a victory for either of the teams will boost the confidence to a great extent which will help for their campaign ahead.

''Senior players like Sohail Abbas, Waseem Ahmed and Shakeel Abbasi will be a big help in the high pressure match against India.

They will have to guide the juniors and see that they do not cave into pressure.

''It's a crucial match and a win would certainly lift the team.

But there are other matches as well and we have to focus on that.''