The Indian women's hockey team is set to face hosts Scotland in the fifth place playoff match of the 2014 Commonwealth Games at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre on Friday.
India made a promising start at the tournament, but failed to book a last-four berth, after losing a must-win clash against South Africa. Indian eves finished third behind New Zealand and South Africa in Group A, and now will be looking to finish fifth.
After thrashing minnows Trinidad and Tobago 14-0, India required beating the Africans but they went down fighting 2-3. Both teams started the game with great speed but it was South Africa, who scored the opener in 14th minute on a penalty corner variation.
India pressed hard for the equaliser and their efforts bore fruits, when Jaspreet Kaur converted a penalty stroke in the 34th minute. However, their joy was short lived as the Africans took the lead moments before the halftime whistle.
The South African players initially struggled to penetrate the Indian circle but in the 54th minute Illse Davids made it 3-1 for Africa. However, India never lost hopes and narrowed the margin through Rani in the 57th minute. The Ritu Rani-led outfit, however, failed to score the equaliser and was knocked out of the medal's race.
Beating Scotland will be a tough task for India, as the hosts have recently defeated them in Champions Challenge 3-2. However, in their last CWG meeting India got the better of Scottish team in Delhi four years ago.
India will need to remain aware of Scotland's forward Linda Clement and midfielder Nikki Kidd as they are more than capable of capitalising on any sloppy work inside the circle.
"This game will be a test to see how far we have improved since CC1 where we lost 3-4 vs Scotland," Indian coach Neil Hawgood said. "The match against South Africa saw a positive end to the game, but when you create that many chances you have to take them, tomorrow we will have to take our chances."
Indian Squad: Goalkeeper: Savita
Defenders: Deep Grace Ekka, Deepika, Kirandeep Kaur, Namita Toppo and Jaspreet Kaur.
Midfielders: Ritu Rani (c), Sushila Chanu, Lilima Minz, Vandana Katariya and Navjot Kaur.
Forwards: Rani Rampal, Poonam Rani, Ritusha Arya, Anupa Barla and Anuradha Devi.
Where to Watch Live
The playoff match between India and Scotland is set for a 10:00 pm local time (2:30 pm IST) start, with live coverage in India is on Ten Sports and live streaming option HERE and HERE. The action will be available live on CBS Sports in Canada with online streaming option HERE.
BBC will telecast the games live in the United Kingdom, with live streaming option HERE or follow the updates HERE. Network Ten will broadcast the matches live in Australia with an online viewing option HERE. For International viewers, including the United States, the action will be available live on official Commonwealth Games 2014 YouTube channel for free HERE.
