The Indian women’s hockey team failed to impress in their first real test of the Commonwealth Games, losing 1-3 to England in a Pool A match in Birmingham on Tuesday.
England got the opening goal when Giselle Ainsley (3rd minute) deflected the Indian goal from a penalty corner. Tess Howard made it 2-0 in the third quarter (40th) before Hannah Martin scored the team’s third goal in the fourth and final quarter (53rd).
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With seconds to go in the final hooter, India scored a consolation goal through a deflection off a penalty corner by Vandana Kataria (60th).
The home team started on a strong note, making quick moves and gaining possession to put pressure on India.
England were awarded a penalty corner in the second minute of the match. He couldn’t make that count but took advantage of the next one he got right after the first.
Buoyed by the opening goal, England continued to dominate possession and tried to put pressure on the tourists with close behind efforts.
India defended in numbers, but the midfield looked a little rusty and under the pump amid England’s relentless attack at the Birmingham University Hockey and Squash Centre.
The Indians regrouped after their sluggish first quarter but were unable to score.
As the second quarter began, the Indians took a shot at the opposing goal and looked aggressive. The second quarter ended in a stalemate as England maintained their lead and India continued their quest for parity.
India improved in the second quarter, but struggled to get past Madeleine Hinch, who was in the midst of an excellent game before the referee blew the half-time whistle.
That the Indians, despite their confidence and aggression, failed to find the net had a lot to do with the performance of England goalkeeper Hinch. What didn’t help the Indians’ cause was their sloppy play in the final third.
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Even as India looked desperate for an equaliser, it was the home team who scored again, extending their lead and making it 2-0 in the third quarter.
The second goal was the result of great teamwork from England as Hannah Martin provided a superb assist to Tess Howard who turned the ball into the Indian goal.
England were awarded a penalty less than nine minutes later, and Martin slotted past Indian goalkeeper Swetha Punia for the home side’s third goal.
It was a disappointing outing for India who entered the match with revenge on their minds as England thrashed them 6-0 in the bronze medal match at the 2018 CWG edition, denying them a podium finish. done.
This is the same English team, which dashed India’s medal hopes at the Tokyo Olympics last year, beating them 4-3 in the bronze medal play-off match.
Prior to this outing, the Indians had registered back-to-back victories – 5-0 over Ghana and 3-1 against Wales – in their first two Pool A matches.
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