JONATHAN COOK
in New Delhi

The Investec South Africa women’s hockey team know they are in for an almighty battle when they tackle Ukraine in the second round of the Olympic Qualifier Tournament at 2 pm (10.30 am SA time) at New Delhi’s National Hockey Stadium Sunday.

While SA had to work hard to beat a determined Poland 2-1 Saturday, the first shock of the tournament saw world number 13 India held to a 1-1 draw with world 26 Ukraine.

What has emerged from the first round is that no opponent can be underestimated; each side is well prepared and intent on qualifying for London 2012.

Ukraine’s willing forwards made the Indian defence look somewhat leaky at times and the SA backline will have to be on their guard.

India’s tactic of firing passes into the scoring zone looking for the deflection off an attacker’s stick can work, but it didn’t translate into goals Saturday as Ukraine’s defence somehow held firm.

Where India looked dangerous was when they used the full width of the field and attacked down the flanks, stretching Ukraine’s defensive screen.

In Saturday’s other toughly-contested battle, Italy and Canada showed they have quality after a 2-2 draw and will certainly be no pushovers for their more fancied opponents.

Having dropped two crucial points, the pressure is on India when they take on Canada Sunday while the Poland versus Italy match could go either way.