Indian women team faces a tough task today when they face Azerbaijan which will help the team in securing place for the semi-finals of the Champions Challenge I which is going on in Dublin, Ireland. After losing the first game against the host Ireland 2-1 and drawing the second game against Spain 1-1, Indian team will have to beat Azerbaijan so that they face a weaker opponent which will help the team to qualify for the semi-finals of Champions Challenge I.
Indian team did not have a good start in the tournament and they lost 2-1 against Ireland. Jasjeet Kaur Handa was the scorer of the team. But the team showed improvement in the second game against Spain and drew the game 1-1. In the second game Indian team had the possession of the ball, dominated the game in the first half but could not take the advantage of the possession. Spain struck first in the 64th minute of the game but Rani Poonam saved India with a goal in the 69th minute of the game.
On the other hand Azerbaijan had a good start in the tournament after they beat Spain 2-1 in the first game but they lost to Ireland in the second game with the same margin of 2-1.
The pressure of getting India the win will be again on teenage sensation Rani Rampal and captain Saba Anjum while the goal-keeper Yogita Bali will halve to thwart any attack towards the goal along with the defenders.
Currently, Indian team is in the last position in the table due to one draw and one loss. Win in this game will take India to the second position in the table which will be a very favorable. If Indian team finishes second in the group, Indian team is likely to face South Africa or Japan in the quarter final match.
This game is also very important for the momentum of the team. If Indian team wins this game, team will have good momentum in the quarter finals of the tournament.
Indian team will have to pressurize the opponents from the start and try to score an early goal which will give Indian team a good chance to finish the game. The team will also have too defend deeply in the last 10 minutes of the game so that they do not concede any last minute goals against Azerbaijan.
The game can be watched on www.hookhockey.com
