Hockey
Indian Women's Hockey Team qualify for knockout stages of the World Cup
The Indian Women's Hockey Team qualified for the next stage of the Vitality Hockey Women’s World Cup London 2018 as they played out a hard-fought 1-1 draw against World No.7 USA in their third Pool B match here at the Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Centre on Sunday.
The Indian team displayed great character and a stable defensive structure throughout the match to earn the draw as Captain Rani (31’) cancelled out Margaux Paolino’s 11th-minute goal.
India started the match on the front foot as they showed some quick passing, but had a scare in the 4th minute when their Captain Rani was forced off with a twisted ankle.
The World No. 10 team won their first PC of the match in the 7th minute, but USA’s Goalkeeper Jackie Briggs saved Gurjit Kaur's flick. India dominated possession and pressed the Americans but the 11th minute saw the USA take the lead as Indian Goalkeeper Savita was called into action when the shot-stopper saved Erin Matson's shot, however, the rebound was put into the back of the net through Savita’s legs by Margaux Paolino.
Goalkeeper Savita Punia made some fine saves to deny the USA India looked for an equaliser and was threatening the USA defence with some good build-up play; winning their 2nd PC in the 14th minute, however, the resulting drag-flick taken by Gurjit was saved by Briggs. India won another PC through striker Navneet Kaur with 32 seconds to go in the first quarter, but Gurjit Kaur’s flick went just wide of the target as the USA ended the period with a 1-0 lead.
The second quarter saw India have a chance in the early stages, but an American defender intercepted Rani's shot. In the 18th minute, USA won their first PC of the match, but Savita well saved the flick. India won their fourth PC in the 19th minute, but Rani’s fierce flick down the middle was deflected away by Briggs.
India maintained their attacking flair throughout the second quarter and made sure that they defended their lines well, making well-timed tackles.
In the 28th minute, the USA were dubiously awarded a PC which saw India lose their referral. The resulting drag flick was hit wide and with 44 seconds to the half-time break, USA won another PC which was saved by Savita with her legs as the USA maintained their one-goal advantage.
The beginning of the third quarter saw India win a PC in the 31st minute as Rani flicked the ball onto Michelle Vittese’s foot inside the striking circle. It was the Captain herself who struck the resulting flick and brought India back into the match as her crisp strike flying into the back of the net even though Briggs got her right hand to it.
India displayed a great defensive structure throughout the third quarter as they denied the USA any opportunity to create chances. In the 43rd minute, India’s Sunita Lakra made a crunching tackle in her striking circle to deny Michelle Vittese a shot as Savita cleared the ball.
India started the fourth quarter on the front foot and had the opportunity to take the lead as they won their sixth PC in the 47th minute, but Briggs on her right side saved the resulting flick by Gurjit Kaur.
The 50th minute saw Udita create an excellent opportunity for herself as she took a shot on the reverse, but the shot was deflected off a USA stick for a long corner. India created constant pressure on the World No. 7 USA team and the next few minutes saw India produce an excellent defensive performance as their opponents tried to create chances. With just a couple of minutes left on the clock, the Indian team looked determined to keep the draw intact as it would be enough to take them through to the crossover match. The USA took a shot in the striking circle with just four seconds to go, which was defended well by the Indian team to make sure that the match ended as a draw.
India’s Captain Rani spoke after the match, “I think both the teams fought well throughout the match, the USA had their chances, and I am proud of the team that we defended well throughout the match. We knew we had to take our chances against this strong USA team, and we made sure that we earned this draw which keeps us in the competition.”
Also read: A goalscorer is not necessarily the only hero of the team | By Reena Khokhar
