India to face USA in Women's hockey WC

Indian women's hockey team will be in a do-or-die situation when they take on the United States of America (USA) in their third match of the ongoing 14th edition of the Women's hockey World Cup at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on July 29.

The Indian team either need to win or draw their third game of the prestigious tournament if they want to remain in contention for a quarterfinal berth.

After a spirited start to their World Cup campaign, where the Indian team drew 1-1 with England in their first match, the Rani-led squad slumped to 0-1 defeat against Ireland in their second match.

Reflecting on team's performance in the tournament, Indian head coach Sjoerd Marijne said that in the second match India could not convert the numerous goal-scoring opportunities against Ireland while adding that this cannot be continued in the upcoming matches.

"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 We made 27 circle entries against Ireland while had made just 10 against England. Though playing against these two teams is very different from each other, it is frustrating that we could not convert a single goal from these chances (15 shots on goal) against Ireland," Marijne said.

"But at the same time, I take this as a positive that we have the abilities to puncture any team's defence to create potential opportunities. When we play the 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.

The coach asserted that India's defence in the match against the USA would be one of their main weapons which could be used to restrain the Irish side.

India are placed third in the Pool B With one draw (1-1 against England), one loss (0-1) against Ireland. USA too have drawn once against England and lost 1-3 to Ireland. Both India and USA have one point each with India being ahead due to goal difference.