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US Women will face India in 3 game series to determine final World Cup team

All Eyes on India

US to play India in three-game series for final WC spot

Following controversy and heavy rains at the World Cup Qualifying Tournament, India has emerged as the team to play the USA for the final spot in the 2002 World Cup.

"I think that India are a very difficult opponent," says US Coach Tracey Belbin. "They play a great open style of hockey and have some very skillful forwards. They are fast and can score. When you play a team such as this, you need to constantly be alert for breakaways. One lapse could mean a goal against, even in the dying minutes of the game."

The date and site on the series has yet to be determined. India lost to Scotland 2-1 in extra-time in a match suspended by heavy rains, and then  was scheduled to play the winner of the Ireland/Lithuania match to decide the tourney's 7th place team. Lithuania appeared to be heading to its first World Cup after defeating Ireland in strokes, 6-5, following a 2-2 draw.

Officials, however upheld an Irish protest that a technical error allowed the second set of strokes to be played incorrectly. Lithuania failed to show for the replay of the second set of strokes, resulting in the team's withdrawal from the tournament, placing Ireland in the World Cup and giving India the 7th place position.

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