Great expectations for Scots on European stage
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| Planet Field Hockey |
September 1, 2003
The Herald
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MIKE STANGER
Months of preparation are over and Scotland's teams today start their European Nations Cup campaigns in earnest.
Goalkeeper Tracey Robb, in her final international tournament before retirement, captains the women's team in a crucial opening match against Spain in Barcelona tonight, while earlier against Poland, Laurence Docherty takes the field in the distinctive Saltire shirt for what is almost certainly his last event in Scotland's cause, too, but for very different reasons.
The European Cup marks the start of the hockey world's four-year cycle which takes in the Olympic Games and climaxes with the World Cup. However, there are changes afoot in this 12-nations tournament which, if ratified, will result in a two-division 16-nations event every other year.
It is important, therefore, for Scotland's men, making their first appearance since 1995, to finish in the top eight. They have a good chance of achieving this with what is generally regarded as their best squad for two decades - particularly in the midfield where Docherty, intent on becoming a Dutchman to further his prospects of competing in the Olympics and other world-class events, is surrounded by three current Great Britain players.
The men's opening game, against one of the most improved sides in Europe, is a tough one - despite having won in Poznan last year to qualify for the finals.
The most intriguing game will be Friday's pool match against England. If the Scots win, and England subsequently finish in too low a position, it could be disastrous for British hockey, as GB's Olympic quali-fication depends on England's showing.
Before and after, the Scots play Italy and Switzerland with great expectations, while Sunday's game against the Netherlands, winners of the recent Champions' Trophy, will be a matter for containment.
Scotland's women have always finished in the top six since the European tournament was inaugurated, but Robb, with more than 150 caps to her name, is keen to go out on a high and finish in the top four for the first time.
Scotland coach Mike Gilbert has been working hard to raise his squad's sights. A good start against the Spanish tonight and a win against Russia on Thursday would be a tremendous boost to their prospects as, after playing Holland on Friday, next week's games against France and Azerbaijan should be well within their capabilities.
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