After England draw, India up against giantkillers Ireland
WORLD CUP Raniled side needs to be cautious against the Irish who lead group after beating USA
LONDON: After losing a golden opportunity to claim an upset win over England, the Indian women’s hockey team will be aiming to make amends when they take on lower-ranked Ireland in the second game of the World Cup, here on Thursday.
India had a bright chance to score an upset win against world No 2 England in their Pool B opener on June 21 but settled for a 1-1 draw.
The Indians only had themselves to blame as despite leading the English girls for 54 minutes, they conceded a late goal to share the points.
World No 10 India will fancy their chances against Ireland, but it would be a mistake if the Sjoerd Marijne-coached side takes the Irish lightly.
By virtue of their stunning 3-1 win over world
No 7 USA, the lowest ranked side in the group at 16, Ireland are currently leading Pool B just ahead of England and India.
A win on Thursday would secure Ireland’s place in the knockout stage of the tournament.
The Indians, on the other hand, would be desperate to score their first win in the tournament.
But it would be easier said than done as they will be up against an Irish side which has the capability of springing surprises.
India lost 1-2 to Ireland in the HWL Semi-finals in Johannesburg last year and revenge would be high on the mind of Rani Rampal’s girls side they take the turf on Thursday.
The Indian coaching staff and senior players like goalkeeper Savita feel the defeat against Ireland is history and they have the firepower to beat Ireland.
“We have done well against Ireland in practice matches in the past,” she said.
“In the match last year, we were leading and should have won for sure but conceding two penalty corners one after another proved costly,” Savita said.
“We have a strong defence and play an attacking brand of hockey. It is a potent combination and makes us strong,” she asserted.
But the Indians will have to lift their game a few notches for that to happen. Against England, they failed to earn a single penalty corner, leaving dragflicker Gurjit Kaur frustrated.
However, goalkeeper Savita was brilliant under the bar to deny England on numerous occasions and was the key in helping India escape with a draw as England were relentless in attack.
The Indians did create more chances from open play and that counted as a positive for chief coach Marijne going into Thursday’s game.
A win will take India to the top of the pool and brighten their knockout chances ahead of their last fixture against USA on July 29.
In an other match of the day, Spain will take on South Africa in Pool C. Both teams have lost their opening encounter.
› We lost to Ireland last year after conceding two penalty corners. But we have done well against Ireland in practice matches.
› We have a strong defence and play an attacking brand of hockey. It is a potent combination and makes us a strong side.