Women’s Hockey WC: Indian eves go down 3-4 against New Zealand; stay in quarter-final contention

The Savita Punia-led side will face the side which finishes second in Pool C in the crossover match on 10 July for a place in the last eight. Vandana Katariya (4′), Lalremsiami (44′) and Gurjit Kaur (59′) were the scorers for India.

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The Indian team started the game aggressively and put pressure on their opponents in the opening minutes of the match. In the 4th minute, Lalremsiami produced a fantastic ball from the edge of the circle and Vandana Katariya got into a great position to tap the ball into the goal to help India take the lead at 1-0.

New Zealand made a circle penetration in the 10th minute, but couldn’t find the back of the net. The Kiwis fought back after they earned a Penalty Corner and Olivia Merry didn’t miss out on the opportunity of slotting the ball into the goal in the 12th minute.

The Indians earned the moment in the opening minutes of the second quarter and obtained a Penalty Corner in the 18th minute, however, Deep Grace Ekka couldn’t find a way to break the 1-1 deadlock.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team continued to be the aggressor for the most part of the second quarter, but the New Zealand defence unit stood tall and kept their opponents at bay. However, New Zealand made a circle penetration in the 29th minute and Tessa Jopp found the back of the net to help the Kiwis take the lead to 2-1.

New Zealand rode on the momentum and earned back-to-back Penalty Corners in the opening minutes of the third quarter. Frances Davies converted the second PC in the 32nd minute to help the Kiwis extend their lead further to 3-1. The Indians earned a Penalty Corner in the 43rd minute, however, they missed out on converting the opportunity.

The Indian Women’s Hockey Team continued to put pressure on their opponents and obtained a Penalty Corner in the 47th minute, but the Kiwis kept India at bay once again. However, Sushila Chanu fantastic pass into the circle in the 44th minute to Lalremsiami who deflected the ball into the goal to keep India in the game.

The Indian team earned a Penalty Corner in the opening minutes of the final quarter, but Ekka struck the ball wide of the left post. India obtained a flurry of Penalty Corners in the 47th minute, but the Kiwis stood tall once again. Sushila effected a brilliant cross from the right flank, but Monika couldn’t direct the ball into the goal.

However, Olivia Merry converted a Penalty Corner in the 54th minute to help New Zealand extend their lead to 4-2. But the Indians continued to put up a strong fight and Gurjit Kaur converted a Penalty Corner in the 59th minute. India won multiple Penalty Corners in the final minute of the match, but the Kiwis ensured that they walked off the field as winners of the game.

Next Match: India will take on either Spain or Korea (whoever finishes second in Pool C) on Sunday (July 10) at 21:30 IST. The match will be live on Star Sports First, Star Sports 3 and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar.