Italians stick it to Scots

SCOTLAND lost their crucial pool match 2-1 to Italy at the World League semi-finals in Brussels yesterday, and now their chances of qualifying for the latter stages of the competition are in considerable doubt.

Despite the reversal the Scots have ironically moved up from bottom slot to fourth on goal difference after Korea were thumped 9-0 by the Netherlands.

Scotland’s chances of making the quarter-finals now rest with their final pool match against Korea today, and only a win will guarantee their progress in the tournament.

The Scots were caught cold in the opening exchanges, after only two minutes a penalty-corner strike by Agata Wybieralska flew past Amy Gibson to put the Italians a goal up.

Five minutes later Italy doubled their score when Jasbeer Singh deflected the ball past Gibson.

Just before the interval the Scots created their first chance of the contest, the ball falling to Ali Howie, but her powerful shot flew just wide.

The Scots started the second half the brighter side, the best chance fell to Becky Merchant and Kareena Cuthbert but their combined efforts could not force the ball over the line.

Gordon Shepherd’s charges were suddenly back in the contest, persistent work by Ali Howie won a penalty corner, Cuthbert’s shot was deflected on by Howie and Katie Holmes was on hand to finish.

In the final quarter the Scots pressed for the equaliser – two penalty corners came and went – but the Italians were always dangerous.

With five minutes left coach Shepherd took the gamble of replacing Gibson with an additional outfield player to save the game. The tactic seemed to have failed when the Italians were awarded a penalty but the decision was finally overturned on a video referral.