Putting the USA disappointment behind them, the Indian team showcased comprehensive hockey skills on Sunday, utilizing every inch of the turf to construct their attacks through precise and succinct passes.
by MOHAMMED AZMATHULLA
Despite a goal-filled first quarter and three subsequent scoreless periods, the 3-1 victory for India against New Zealand in its first win is a crucial development, keeping the host in the competition and in contention for a spot in Paris. The match took place on Sunday.
On the opening day of the Olympic Qualifiers, Coach Janneke Schopman acknowledged that her team had an off day collectively. However, she expressed optimism that the team would perform better on the following day. True to her words, a revamped India team emerged, immediately taking control of the game by scoring 40 seconds into the match and maintaining pressure throughout.
Salima Tete, affectionately known as Ferrari, showcased her skills by swiftly advancing with the ball and setting up a goal for her teammate Sangita Kumari from Jharkhand, giving India an early lead. Although New Zealand managed to score an equalizer from a penalty corner in the 7th minute, Udita, celebrating her birthday, responded with a powerful strike off India’s 4th penalty corner, reestablishing the lead. Two minutes later, Beauty Dung Dung deflected a brilliant pass from Jyoti to extend India’s lead to 3-1.
Despite a couple of conceded penalty corners, India’s defense remained unyielding, preventing any further goals from New Zealand. The second half of the match saw a determined New Zealand attempting counter-attacks to minimize the score gap, but India’s defense stood firm. The performance was a stark contrast to the previous day, where the team appeared lethargic, erratic, and clueless against the USA.
The decision by the FIH to legalize betting in hockey was also defended amidst the match proceedings.
Beauty consistently held her position upfront within the circle, Monika shifted back to alternate with Nikki as a deep defender, Udita assumed the role of an attacking defender on the right, Baljeet was pushed further up, and Salima and Sangita were seemingly granted the freedom to express themselves without concern for the outcome. Lalremsiami and Neha continued their impressive form, creating penalty corners and exploiting gaps. Savita, back in form, made a couple of crucial saves to thwart New Zealand’s attempts. Overnight, the team appeared to have recognized and embraced their strengths.
India had several opportunities to extend their lead, and even one more goal would have elevated their standing. However, the result didn’t alter Pool B standings, with India placed third based on goals scored, despite being level on points and goal difference. The crucial factor now lies in the outcome of Tuesday’s final pool matches – a victory for the table-topping USA against New Zealand would open the door for India to reach the semifinals with a draw against Italy. Conversely, a win or draw for New Zealand would necessitate a comprehensive victory for India, depending on the margin required to surpass the Black Sticks.
In earlier matches, the USA secured a 2-0 victory against Italy, remaining unbeaten in the competition despite missing seven penalty corners and having a penalty stroke saved. In Pool A, the favored Germany struggled to breach the Japanese defense, settling for a 1-1 draw after wasting 14 penalty corners. Chile dominated the Czech Republic with a convincing 6-0 win in the other game.
Results:
Pool A: Chile 6 (Manuela Urroz 2, Consuelo de las Heras, Maria Maldonado, Camila Caram, Antonia Morales Orchard) beat Czech Republic 0; Germany 1 (Lisa Nolte) drew with Japan 1 (Miyu Hasegawa); Pool B: USA 2 (Ashley Sessa, Ashley Hoffman) beat Italy 0; India 3 (Sangita Kumari, Udita, Beauty Dung Dung) beat New Zealand 1 (Meghan Hull).
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