Scotland's senior women feel "prepared and confident" for the EuroHockey Nations Championships starting this weekend at Wagener Stadium in Amsterdam after holding their own against world top teams Germany and Spain recently.
"We're prepared and confident after a successful build up programme and recent good performances against Spain, who are ranked seventh in the world, and Germany, who are third," said Scotland manager Lynne Dick.
Scotland drew 0-0 and lost 2-0 against a fully fit German squad in Hannover the first weekend in August, following two test matches against Spain in late July where they lost 4-2 and 5-1, with the latter score not reflecting the balance of play.
Given Germany and Spain's mentioned world rankings, and Scotland's ranking of 22nd, recent results are promising. But Scotland has their work cut out for them as they not only sit in pool B alongside Spain and Germany at the Championships but also, number 15 in the world, Ireland.
Lynne Dick added: "We're pleased with our results, but Germany and Spain are exceptionally good teams and deserve respect-so we're certainly not going to get overconfident. We'll take lessons from these matches and play our best on the day. The first two matches against Spain and Ireland will be crucial."
Having faced Ireland a total of 128 times with 45 wins, 35 draws and 48 loses, the second match of the tournament should be close. The two Celtic nations historically give each other a tough challenge.
Tough competitors also sit in Pool A, including, world number one, the Netherlands, England, Azerbaijan and Russia. Scotland sit in the underdog's position, but with the top four teams from the event receiving automatic qualification to the World Cup they have plenty to fight for.
Scotland's European campaign pushes back 22nd August against Spain, followed by Ireland on the 23rd, both with a 9:30am start, then Germany on the 25th at 15:30 before cross over matches on the 27th and finals on the 29th.
Match Schedule
Spain v Scotland 
2009-08-22 09:30
No Venue | Euro Nations Championship Women Pool B (National Ladies) | Match Report(s)
Ireland v Scotland 2009-08-23 09:30
No Venue | Euro Nations Championship Women Pool B (National Ladies) | Match Report(s)
Germany v Scotland 2009-08-25 15:30
No Venue | Euro Nations Championship Women Pool B (National Ladies) | Match Report(s)
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