Hockey: Confident Scots face hosts in Rio

By CRAIG MADDEN
Published on 06/03/2013 01:20

SCOTLAND take on hosts Brazil in the second pool match of the women’s World League today.

Buoyed by their 7-0 thrashing of fourth seeds Trinidad & Tobago in their opening fixture in Rio, coach Gordon Shepherd’s side will be confident against the tournament underdogs who are ranked 51 in the world.

Looking back to the Trinidad game, Shepherd said: “I was delighted to win in such testing conditions. To score seven goals and keep a clean sheet was a perfect start. The entire squad was used in the game and we have come away with no injuries.”

Although Brazil lost their opening fixture 6-0 to the United States, it was goalless at the interval as the Brazilians packed their defence.

“They are a very hard side to break down with so many players behind the ball,” added Shepherd. “We will have to be patient but, if we play in the correct manner, I’m confident we’ll win comfortably.”

It is likely to be a dogfight between the Scots, USA and Chile for the top two spots and qualification for the next stage.

“The USA look a fit and well organised side while Chile are a little unorthodox in their play but, if we play the way we know we can, I certainly believe we can beat Chile,” added Shepherd.