CWG 2014 women's hockey: Indian team hopes to secure 5th place finish

Glasgow, July 31 (IANS): After failing to qualify for the semifinals, the Indian women's hockey team will take on hosts Scotland in the 5-6 position playoff at the Commonwealth Games here Friday.

The teams last met during the Champions Challenge 1 here when India lost 3-4. The sides had also met in the 2006 edition of the Games in Melbourne, where India triumphed 5-0, but in 2010 Delhi, the match had ended in a 1-1 draw.

Scotland is a well balanced side with half of the squad playing at their second Commonwealth Games. But the Indian eves have experience on their side and have emerged as strong contenders.

India, however, will have to look out for Scottish midfielder Nikki Kidd and forward Linda Clement, who have been in top form during the tournament at the Glasgow National Hockey Centre.

On the positive side for India, Rani will be expected to score more goals after she proved to be a key asset for the team by sneaking in skilful field goals, totalling five so far.

Defender Jaspreet Kaur's penalty corner conversion rate is also right at the top with six goals, and she could give a tough fight to the Scots.

"This game will be a test to see how far we have improved since Champions Challenge 1 where we lost to Scotland," India chief coach Neil Hawgood said.

Both the teams finished third of out five teams in their respective pools, hence qualifying for the 5-6 position playoff.