Antwerp (Belgium): An exhilarating game of hockey was witnessed here at Antwerp when the Indian Women Hockey team met Italy and at the end of regulation time the scores stood tied at 1-1. What transpired post that was nail biting and where the Indian eves kept its nerves to come out winners. All set to play for the 5th position in the ongoing tournament as well as keeping the hopes for a berth in the RIO Olympics 2016 alive, the Indian team will now aiming to beat Japan and come out victorious.

The Indian Women team last met Japan during the Hawke’s Bay Cup 2015 where at one point the former was trailing the 0-2 but came back strong to win 3-2, leaving the opponents stunned. This time around the Indian team would play to repeat the same feat and win the all important match. With stakes high, both teams are aware of the importance of a win tomorrow and will leave no stone unturned to ensure the game goes in their favour.

Speaking on the all important game, Goalkeeper Savita said “I think the defence will be the key tomorrow. We have to ensure we close the gaps, not allow easy access to our D, not give away penalty corners and hold the fort strong. This will help boost the attack to go for the kill. The initial goal will matter the most tomorrow and we are aware of that. The target from here is to stay in contention for RIO and a win takes us a step closer towards what we are aiming for. While we beat Japan last time around, we are not taking it as a ticket to a win tomorrow. We are aware that Japan too would be playing for the same cause and hence stakes are high.”.

Speaking on the match, Chief Coach Mathias Ahrens said “All departments will have to deliver tomorrow. While scoring the goals are important, saving those crucial goals will be the key. We had a meeting and we are clear that we have to close the gaps and not allow them easy opportunities. They are a strong team and we have to be alert against them.”

India will contest for the 5th/6th position on 4th July 2015 against Japan at 1630 HRS IST. The matches will be telecasted LIVE on Star Sports.