FOR the first time in international hockey, a win yields three points in the World Cup pre-qualifying tournament in Cagliari, so it was with considerable relief to the Irish camp that a 2-1 victory was achieved over Scotland in yesterday's most significant opening match in Pool B.

Undoubtedly Ireland will be more relaxed for today's meeting with uninhibited newcomers Bangladesh after much strain was evident in a torrid struggle against the Scots in the Amsicora Stadium (once the main arena in Sardinia for soccer).

Ireland were the more accomplished team but nerves caused basic errors in the first half before greater composure and penetration was achieved after the interval, notably from backline thrusts (with offside abolished).

One short corner went to waste for each side in the lack-lustre opening period. Chances from open play were also extremely limited. Scotland failed to capitalise on a three-to-one break, foiled by Greg Sterritt, though Ireland went closer to taking the lead when Daniel Clarke found an opening for Julian Stevenson to shoot narrowly wide.

Ireland started the second half with more aggression and were rewarded after six minutes when Robbie Taylor forced a short corner from which he set the net quivering with a powerful flick. The Scots, however, equalised immediately from the hit-off, with Richard Forsythe putting the finishing touch to a swift attack which caught the Irish defence by surprise.

Another Scottish break could have been disastrous but Ivan Bateman brought off an inspired left-handed save from Richard Freeland at point-blank range.

At this stage, though, most of the pressure was coming from Ireland. The attack became more menacing with the introduction of Chris Jackson, with Alistair Dunne moving in a spearhead from midfield. Twelve minutes from the end, Dunne drove dexterously along the backline and drew the Scottish cover for 18-year-old Jackson to tuck away the winning goal.

56 Ireland have a much-needed base on which to move tentatively towards a passage to Kuala Lumpur next March. Midfield has yet to be rebuilt to maximum effectiveness, while Ger Burns is being missed in the heart of the defence. On the flanks, however, both Neil Cooke and Colin Hade played with heartening assertiveness yesterday.

Total alertness will be required this afternoon against Bangladesh who gained a dramatic 4-3 win over Italy in yesterday's final game.

Wales slipped to a 1-0 defeat by Switzerland in their opening match of the preliminary round. The Welsh defeat was largely self-inflicted with a lack of discipline seeing three of their players given temporary suspensions.

Switzerland made Wales pay as they scored the only goal while Mark Kirkland and David Hacker were serving a suspension.