India lose to Poland ahead of qualifier

India's preparation for the upcoming World Cup qualifying hockey tournament has been lacklustre, with the team failing to win either its two practice matches in Edinburgh.

India went down to Poland 1-2 and played a goalless draw with Canada.

This is the first time since 1986 that India lost to Poland.

Coach Cedric D'Souza, however, put up a brave face, saying practice matches are meant only for readying oneself for the main tournament.

"The training games are good as it gives the boys a feel of the ground and matches that lie ahead. But I won't give too much importance to the results, as the boys also have to be injury free and see that they don't go all out."

In the match against Poland, India had a free run in the first half but couldn't get the goals that would have sealed the match for them. Dilip Tirkey executed a perfect penalty-corner in the 26th minute to give India the lead.

A second goal was on the cards, but Daljit Singh's shot hit the post and went out of play. Artur Mikula, who was the scourge of the Indians at the Sydney Olympics, where a 1-1 draw denied India a berth in the semi-finals, came close to scoring but his shot was well covered by goalkeeper Jude Menezes as it zipped past the left post.

In the second half, the Indians dropped a gear as Poland stiffened their midfield and slowly took control of the match.

Their efforts bore fruit in the 52nd minute, when Tomasz Spalek sent a lovely cross that sped into the circle and deflected off Mikula's stick for the equaliser.

The Indians tried to defend the 1-1 scoreline and allowed Poland a few gaps to attack from the right flank. With just two minutes left, Zbigniew Juszczak got a chance for a crack at the Indian goal and he didn't disappoint as his penalty-corner zipped into the goal.

Finding an equaliser with a minute left on the clock was an uphill task for India. Poland held on, to score over India for the first time since their 1-0 win at the 1986 World Cup.

Poland have been in fine form this year with some superb victories in Europe. Earlier, they had beaten Germany, Spain, England and the Czech Republic.

They will play Canada in Pool D in the opening encounter of the World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

In other matches on the opening day of the tournament, Argentina take on Bangladesh and Belgium play France in Pool B, while the United States face Russia in Pool D.

India, who are placed in Group A along with Egypt, New Zealand and Wales, play Wales in their first match on Wednesday.