India can’t afford slipups

WORLD CUP Raniled side will need at least a draw against USA in last pool match to qualify for knockouts

LONDON: Stung by a defeat against lower-ranked Ireland, the Indian women’s hockey team will need at least a draw against USA to keep alive their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup.

After settling for a draw against world No 2 England in the opening match despite grabbing an early lead, Rani Rampal’s girls suffered a disappointing 0-1 loss to Ireland in their second roundrobin match to squander the chance of making a direct entry to the quarter-finals.

Only the top teams from the four pools directly qualify for the quarter-finals.

The remaining four slots would be filled from the crossover stage wherein sides finishing second and third in their respective pools clash with each other. The four winners of these clashes complete the quarter-final line-up. With one draw (1-1 against England), one loss (0-1) against Ireland, India are placed third in Pool B.

USA too have drawn against England and lost to Ireland (1-3 ). Though both the teams have a point each, India are ahead on goal difference.

To remain in contention for a quarter-final berth, India need a win or a draw from Sunday’s game.

“It is a must-win situation for us on Sunday and there is no doubt about that,” said chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.

India didn’t get any penalty corner against England but seven opportunities came their way against Ireland. However, the team could not convert any of them.

However, Rani and Co cannot afford to repeat the mistake in the high-stakes game.

“The team’s structure and planning is good which enabled us to create chances in the striking circle but not being able to convert those chances into goals cost us the match,” Marijne said.

“We made 27 circle entries against Ireland while it was only 10 against England. Though playing one team is very different from playing the other, it is frustrating that we could not convert a single goal from these chances (15 shots on goal) against Ireland.

“But at the same time I take this as a positive that we have the ability to puncture any team’s defence and create opportunities. When we play USA, the emphasis would certainly be on scoring from these opportunities created. We have to execute better and the girls are working for that,” he added.

While the forward-line and mid-field lacked energy and pace, India’s defence has held strong. While Ireland made just 10 circle entries, England made 34. “Our defence is our advantage against USA. The loss against Ireland has not affected the confidence because we created chances.”