Women’s Hockey WC 2018 India vs Ireland Live Updates: India takes on Ireland in a must-win second Pool B match at London. The Rani Rampal-led side got off to a good start after they held World No 2 England to a 1-1 draw in their opening encounter on Saturday. Also Read - Hockey: Rani Rampal on Becoming First Woman Player to Get Khel Ratna, Dedicates Her Award to The Corona Warriors
The Indians — who are placed 10th in the world rankings — will need to produce a similar performance against Ireland as a defeat or a draw will complicate things for them. In such a scenario, the Indians will have to beat the US by a healthy margin and hope for a favourable result from the clash between England and Ireland. Also Read - Hockey: India Women's Team Captain Rani Rampal Reveals Her Only Craving During Coronavirus Lockdown
“Yes, we have watched videos from Ireland’s match against USA and credit goes to them for a good start and good defending to hold their lead till the end,” Rani said. Also Read - Honoured And Overwhelmed: Rani Rampal on Khel Ratna Nomination
“In the three days rest that we have had, we played a few practice matches among ourselves to try out different methods in goal scoring and keep up the momentum. We need to make a good start against Ireland and keep up the pressure on them. We are confident and ready for the next challenge,” she added.
On the other hand, Ireland ranked 16, stunned USA 3-1 and are expected to start the match against India high-on-confidence.