India are set to face USA in a must-win Pool B tie of Women's Hockey World Cup 2018 in London on Sunday, July 29.
When is the match and how to watch it live
The Hockey World Cup match will start at 5 pm local time, 9:30 pm IST and 4 pm GMT.
DD Sports, Star Sports 2 and Star Sports 2 HD will provide the live television coverage of the match in India. The live stream will also be available on Hotstar.
Do-or-die tie for India
Sjoerd Marijne-coached Indian women's team are on the verge of getting knocked out of the World Cup as early as in the group stages. The 10th-ranked team need at least a draw against the higher-ranked USA if they have to make it to the playoff stages.
India squandered an early opportunity to seal a direct quarter-final entry when they lost 1-0 to table-toppers Ireland on July 26. Only the first-placed side in the four-team pool gets the opportunity. On the other hand, the second and third-placed sides have to play the qualifiers in pursuit of a last-eight berth.
While Ireland have already sealed a quarter-final berth, England are well-placed to make the qualifiers as they have two points from two games.
India and USA are tied on one point each but the former is third on the pool table due to better a goal difference.
India had started the tournament on a positive note by holding the reigning Olympic champions England to a 1-1 draw but failed to make use of the chances against Ireland.
Rani Rampal's side made 27 circle entries against Ireland, 17 more than what they managed in the tournament opener. Despite getting 15 shots on goal, India were not able to find the back of the net.
Coach Marijne confident of a good showing
Coach Marijne is well aware of the pressure his side faces ahead of the all-important tie but is hopeful of a strong performance. The Dutchman acknowledges the missed opportunities but backs his side to find the goals later today.
India have scored only one goal in the tournament so far, the least among the four sides in the pool. While their defence looking solid, it now depends on the front line to step up and deliver.
Defender of the Indian Eves, Reena Khokhar, is prepared to give everything on the turf at the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 because of the pride she feels while playing for the national side. #IndiaKaGame pic.twitter.com/4v5gQSh3Hr
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) July 28, 2018
"It is a must-win match for us on Sunday and there is no doubt with that," Marinje was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India.
"We have the ability to puncture any team's defence and create potential opportunities. When we play 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.
Global TV guide: Women's Hockey World Cup 2018
UK: TV - BT Sport 1; Live stream - BT Sport Live
