India face dire test against US in ‘ do-or-die’ battle
LONDON:STUNG by a lower-ranked Ireland, Indian women’s hockey team will need at least a draw against USA in Sunday’s pool B match to keep their hopes of reaching the knockout stage of the World Cup alive.
After settling for a draw against world no 2 England in the opening match despite grabbing an early lead, Rani Rampal-led India suffered a disappointing 0-1 loss to Ireland in their second round robin match to squander the chance of making a direct entry to the quarterfinals.
Only the top teams from the four pools directly qualify for the quarterfinals, while the remaining four slots would be filled from the crossover stage.
The sides finishing second and third in their respective pools would clash with each other in the cross-over stage with the four group toppers making it to the quarterfinals. With one draw (1-1 against England), one loss (0-1) against Ireland, India are placed third in the Pool B points table.
USA too have drawn once against England and lost 1-3 to Ireland. Though both the teams have one point each, India is ahead due to goal difference. STANDINGS - GROUP B Team P W D L GD
USA
2 2 2 0 2 0 2 0
0 2 1 1
0 0 1 1
3 0 -1 -2 PTS 6
2
1
1
To remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth, India need a win or a draw on Sunday.
“It is a must-win match for us on Sunday and there is no doubt that,” India chief coach Sjoerd Marijne said.
India didn’t get any penalty corners against England but seven opportunities came their way against Ireland but the team could not convert the goal-scoring chances.
However, Rani and Co cannot repeat the same mistake in the high-stake game on Sunday.
“The team’s structure and planning is good which enabled us to create chances in the striking circle but not being able to convert these chances into goals cost us the match,” Marijne said.
“We made 27 circle entries against Ireland while it was only 10 against England.”
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 will be one of our advantages against USA. The loss against Ireland has not affected the confidence of the team because we know that if we have created enough chances against Ireland while our defence has held strong, we can do the same against USA too,” Marijne said.