After struggling to get going for much of the game, Mukesh Kumar, who otherwise had a poor game, found the net from the penalty spot after receiving a fine, through pass from Sabu Varkey, about six minutes from the close.

It was the only bright moment for the Indians, who, otherwise played below par. India'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 Smith'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 England'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 veterans' World Cup hockey tournament here on Tuesday.