India win at long last

It was the only bright moment for the Indians, who, otherwise played below par. India8217;s chances of finishing at least in the top six are so much more brighter now, although they still need to beat Canada in their concluding league match. India could have won by a bigger margin but for the usual malaise of missing scoring chances, something that defies explanation. Sabu Varkey and Mukesh Kumar muffed sitters in the second-half which they could have normally scored eyes closed. The victory notwithstanding, India came away with a major problem in the form of an injury togoalkeeper Jude Menezes after he effected a brilliant save from Jamie Smith8217;s penalty stroke attempt in the third minute of the second-half. The stroke was awarded following a stick check on Bevan Hari by Anil Aldrin. Menezes was then replaced by Jagadish Ponnappa.

ENGLAND WIN: At the Frockey Stadium, England, thanks to goals by Jonathan Wyatt 45th, Jason Lee 19th, Russell Garcia 24th, Mark Pearn 48th and Calum Giles 52nd, overhauled Poland 5-2 in the third pool B game on Monday. For Poland, Marcin Nyckowiak 9th and Pawel Jakubiak 60th scored. It was England8217;s first win in three games, while Poland have one point, also from three matches.

VETERANS LOSE: India lost 1-2 to Italy in the veterans8217; World Cup hockey tournament here on Tuesday.