The Hindu : Sport / Hockey : The Dutch start as favourites

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Wednesday, Sep 27, 2006
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The Dutch start as favourites

Madrid: Argentina's women begin their defence of the field hockey world title here on Wednesday but should breeze through their Pool B clashes before the tougher task begins in the semifinals.

While the Dutch are favourites, Argentina will provide a very strong defence of its title.

With a similar team that won in 2002, Argentina has consistently held second ranking behind the Netherlands.

Main change

The main change has been their coach Gabriel Minadeo who succeeded Sergio Vigil. Argentina has the talent — Luciana Aymar is the World's best player, Agustina Garcia is the most explosive striker, and captain Magdalena Aicega is a World-class defender.

In lead up events under Minadeo Argentina gas performed solidly without results. With Australia their only threat in the pool, this is its best chance.

Pool A is very interesting as China, Germany and the Netherlands should dominate against England, India and host Spain — all competing for two semifinal places.

On form China and the Netherlands should fill the first semifinal places. Argentina and Australia would make up the final four. This would mean Australia v Netherlands and China v Argentina.

The prediction is a Netherlands vs Argentina final as they both have won against their rivals this year. Spain, with a ranking of 10 is the team that could surprise — memories of the Spanish team's success at Barcelona Olympics remains strong in rival coaches' minds.

India's opener

India, silver medallist at the Commonwealth Games and figuring in the World Cup as the Asia Cup champion, takes on the formidable Netherlands in the opening match. This is India's fifth appearance in the World Cup, the best finish was the fourth place in 1974 at Mandelieu (France).

In the next edition at Madrid, India finished seventh, and the team tumbled to the 11th rank in 1988 at Kuala Lumpur, and last in 1998. India failed to make the grade for the last edition in 2002 at Perth.

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