Bangkok, Nov. 5: With a place in next year’s World Cup up for grabs, the Indian women will settle for nothing less than a victory when they take on South Korea in the first semifinal of the seventh women’s Asia Cup hockey here on Friday.

A win will ensure India a direct entry in the women’s hockey World Cup to be held at Rosario, Argentina, in August-September next year.

The game against Korea also provides India the opportunity to avenge their 2-5 semifinal loss at the hands of same opponents in the previous edition of the tournament in Hong Kong.

To help India’s cause, the present Korean team is younger and inexperienced, with as many as 10 members of the side have either been dropped or retired since the last Asia Cup.

However inspite of all these, it wouldn’t be a cakewalk for the Indians as like India, Korea are also undefeated in the event so far and would be eager to revive their dwindling fortunes — their lowest-ever world ranking at 10.

India coach M.K. Kaushik said the team will have to curb their attacking instinct on Friday and be more vigilant. “We have so far played an all out game, but against Korea it will be different. We will be cautious,” said Kaushik.

“Korea’s strength is penalty corners, and we should avoid giving them that. For that, we should tackle them beyond the circle to the extent possible,” said forward Mamta Kharab. “We defeated Korea in the Doha Asian Games and will hope to repeat the performance tomorrow.” — PTI