Indian women lose to Scotland

ABBEVILLE (FRANCE), SEPT. 30. India suffered a setback in its quest for a berth in the next year's women's hockey World Cup when it lost 1-2 to Scotland in the qualifying tournament here on Saturday.

In a play-off for the 5-8 places, India took the lead in the fifth minute of the game but couldn't hold on. Scotland equalised in the 27th minute and the score remained tied at regulation time and the extra-time. Scotland scored a golden goal to emerge winner. Mamata Kharab scored the only goal for India. Valentine and Simpson were goal scorers for Scotland.

India must win its last match, against either Lithuania or Ireland, later today to take the seventh place and become the last team to qualify for the World Cup to be held in Perth in November next year. Both India and Scotland wasted as many as seven penalty corners in a match played while it was raining.

India started off well and took the lead in the fifth minute through inside left Mamata Kharab who scored a brilliant field goal. Kharab got another chance two minutes later but her shot rebounded from the bars.

The equaliser from Scotland came in the 27th minute through Valentine and after that it was a case of missed opportunities for both teams.

After the regulation time and extra-time failed to break the deadlock, golden goal rule was taken recourse to where Simpson fired home the winner for Scotland.

- PTI .

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