KARACHI, March 5: The Netherlands juniors face a bigger challenge on Saturday when they meet Pakistan juniors in the third hockey clash of the four-match series.

Although the series has become exciting after home side lost the first match 2-1 and then clinched the second 5-3, both the team managements say there will be no pressure as they feel the matches are not that important.

At the same time officials agreed the third encounter would be tough since both the teams won a game each and they would not like to lose. However, the Dutch would be facing more difficulties as compare to their opposition because of at least two factors - less number of players and the weather.

The Dutchmen, who have only 16 players in the line-up, are likely to play with 15 as Steven Faaij is physically unfit. "Saturday's match will be tough since the series is all square. Another reason is that Steven is not fit and may not play tomorrow. But there won't be any pressure on us as it is just a training tour.

"We are testing different combinations, players at different positions to prepare for the future tournaments. But in that process we will not like to lose the series," Dutch coach Eric Verboom said on Friday.

Verboom said Friday's rest after two day's strenuous activity was soothing and would give his boys a chance to recover and perform well. Nevertheless, the schedule of the matches which are being played at around 3:00pm in scorching heat, is one thing which is incomprehensible.

The organizers could have easily changed the roll off time from 3.00pm to 4.30pm or even 5.00pm when the temperature cools down. Verboom agreed that playing matches at 3.00pm was one big disadvantage but at the same time said it would be a boon for his players.

"If we talk about only this series, to play matches at 3.00pm when heat is intense, is a disadvantage. But it will allow our players to get used to playing in hot weather which will benefit us in future," the coach said.

Pakistan team manager Jahangir Butt said although he considered the series as a build-up to Junior Asia Cup, he would not like to lose it either. "There will be no pressure on us. We are just preparing our boys for the Asia Cup. But at the same time we will not like to lose the series," he said.

The official, having a pool of 25 players, refrained from disclosing the squad for Saturday's game but added all the players were fit. "We are yet to finalize the squad. We will disclose it tomorrow," he said when asked who would be in the squad as penalty corner striker. So far, Pakistan have failed to fully capitalize on Imran Warsi and Mohammad Imran the two penalty corner specialists.