THE need for good organisation and efficiency is now a basic requirement to achieve success in international competition.
Scotland had neither in abundance yesterday and crashed to a 2-1 defeat against the USA - bronze medallists in the last World Cup in 1994 - in the second series of matches in the women's World Cup at Utrecht.
In some ways the scoreline was a travesty of justice, but when a high percentage of the goal-scoring opportunities are not taken there can only be disappointment.
Scotland fell behind in the second minute to a penalty corner conversion by Kate Barber. They did fight back with their anticipated tenacity but when Rhona Simpson failed with two good chances in two minutes and Diane Renilson miscued in front of goal, the signs were ominous.
worse was to follow. Val Neil had two shots blocked at Scotland's second penalty corner just before half-time. As Scotland attemted to turn the screw tighter and rushed into their shots, the Americans merely regrouped and allowed the Scots to blow themselves out.
Susan MacDonald did give them a lifeline after 56 minutes, when she converted a penalty, but in the closing stages four further opportunities were squandered. Simpson, who had won the penalty, was involved in three and MacDonald was the other guilty party.
Despite this defeat Scotland moved off the foot of the table. They leapfrogged China on goal difference after they were beaten 7-1 by the all-conquering Australians. This puts Scotland's defeat by the Aussies in a better light.
Scotland will take some comfort from Germany's 4-3 defeat of South Africa, as they play the latter tomorrow and if they can refrain from conceding setpieces they could pick up their first points.
Germany's prospects of the title, however, have suffered a serious set-back. Britta Becker has broken her left hand and is unlikely to take any further part in the championship which will be good news for Scotland when the teams clash next Wednesday.
Germany's men, meanwhile, continue to turn on the style. They beat New Zealand 3-0 with Oliver Domke scoring two goals. Stefan Veen, the Holland captain, went one better when his side crushed India 5-0 to top the table on goal difference. Results:
Women - Pool A - Germany 4, South Africa 3; USA 2, Scotland 1; Australia 7, China 1. Men - Pool A - New Zealand 0, Germany 3; Canada 1, Korea 1; India 0. Holland 5.
Group A: Germany beat South Africa 4-3 (halftime 3-3). United States beat Scotland 2-1 (1-0) Scorers: United States - Barber 2, Fuchs 41, Scotland - Sue MacDonald 56 penn
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