India will not have it easy 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, the Indian women’s hockey team would be aiming to make amends when it takes on a lowerranked Ireland in its 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 lowelyranked Ireland, but it would be a mistake if the Sjoerd Marijnecoached 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 tomorrow would secure Ireland’s place in the knock-out 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 Semifinals in Johannesburg last year and revenge would be high on the mind of Rani Rampal-led side when it takes the turf tomorrow.

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 -- this is a potent combination and makes us strong as a