Rusty Germans don't see themselves as favourites

New Delhi: They are being seen as top contenders for the title, but Olympic champion Germany's captain Oliver Korn on Wednesday said his side is not the favourite in the upcoming Hero Hockey World League Finals due to lack of match practice in outdoor conditions.

"We don't see ourselves as favourites here. We have a really good side and we are expecting a tough competition here. I think all teams are equally good. If you look at Australia, Netherlands and others all are very balanced sides," said Korn at the trophy-unveiling function here.

"We have been playing indoor hockey back home. It's been two months we haven't played outdoors. It will take time for us to settle. That is one of the reasons why I feel we are not the favourites," the 29-year-old attacking midfielder said.

"But the training and practice have gone well for our side. The key would be to start well and then set goals match-by-match."

Germany are without their key players like Max Muller, Christopher Zeller and Moritz Furste, but have good bench strength to go on to win the tournament.

"It is an important tournament for us. Though the World Cup is still far off (May 31) this tournament will set the track for the quadrennial event in The Netherlands," he said.

Germany, winners of the Hockey World League semi-final event in Johor Bahru, Malaysia last year, begin their title challenge on January 10 when they take on Pool A rivals New Zealand.

Australia skipper Mark Knowles feels all the teams would be taking some time to settle into the groove as they they are coming from breaks.

"I think all the teams would be a bit jittery initially as all were enjoying an international break. The real test would be from the quarter-final onwards. Out first target would be to seal the knockout berth and then push from there," Knowles said.

The Ric Charlesworth-coached side is also missing players due to injuries and has left out a few due to its rotation policy.

"The tournament is crucial in the lead up to the World Cup. This year we have the Commonwealth Games as well. It's an important year which we would like to begin on a positive note," he added.