India eves face formidable Netherlands in World Cup hockey opener

New Delhi, Jun 12 (UNI) India face a daunting task as they take on six-time winners Netherlands in the opening match of the Women's World Cup hockey tournament to be held in Madrid from September 27 to October 8.

Besides Netherlands, India are clubbed in a group of death (Pool A) which includes three-time title holders Germany, Asian champions China, England and hosts Spain.

Pool B includes defending champions Argentina, twice champions Australia, Japan, Korea, South Africa and USA.

For the Indian women, who will be taking part in the World Cup for the fifth time, their previous four outings in this competition have been far from impressive. They finished fourth in 1974, seventh in 1978, 11th in 1983, 12th in 1998 and did not qualify in the last edition in Perth.

As per the draw of the 12th edition, the Commonwealth silver medallists will take on Germany on September 29, England (October 1), Spain (October 3) and China (October 4).

The semi-finals of the 12-team tournament will be played on October 6 while the final is scheduled for October 8.

Following is the draw: September 27: India vs Netherlands; Korea vs Japan; Australia vs South Africa; China vs England; Spain vs Germany Argentina vs USA September 28: Korea vs South Africa; Australia vs USA; Argentina vs Japan; September 29: England vs Netherlands; China vs Spain; India vs Germany September 30: Korea vs Australia; USA vs Japan; South Africa vs Argentina October 1: Netherlands vs Spain; India vs England; Germany vs China October 2: Japan vs Australia; South Africa vs USA; Argentina vs Korea October 3: England vs Germany; China vs Netherlands; Spain vs India October 4: Netherlands vs Germany; South Africa vs Japan; India vs China; Korea vs USA; Spain vs England; Australia vs Argentina October 5: Rest Day October 6: Semi-finals: 1st Pool A vs 2nd Pool B; 1st Pool B vs 2nd Pool A October 8: Third place play-off followed by final.

UNI PDS AY RS1710