Hockey: Under-par Scots face tough ask

Scotland face the undefeated Chinese in the quarter final stages of the Champions Challenge in Lille today, but it is not all doom and gloom for a side that finished bottom of their pool with straight defeats at the hands of France, Russia and Ireland.

Certainly the Chinese will be formidable opponents. They disposed of Austria and the United States and drew their final match 2-2 with the Czech Republic to top their pool, but the bizarre format of the tournament has given the Scots a lifeline to progress.

Effectively their dismal pool record counts for nothing. If Russell Garcia's charges can muster the strength to beat China in this cup-tie scenario, then the Scots progress to the semi-finals and China will be consigned to the play-offs to decide places five to eight.

"All we have to do is win this game against China and we're through to the semis and, despite our results so far, I believe that we have a good enough side to go on and win this one.

"Certainly China are a good side but they were held to a draw by the Czech Republic and, on the day, it's 11 against 11 and there is no reason why this cannot be our day," said Eugene Connolly, Scotland's manager.