India could not penetrate the wall of hinch in women’s hockey, defeat increased the difficulty
India’s troubles have increased after this defeat. Basically, only the top two teams from both the groups have to make it to the semi-finals. After this defeat, his chances of staying in the first place are almost over.
But even to be in second place, he will have to win the match against Canada on August 3 at any cost. Only this win can give him the second place in the group. In the true sense, its importance has now become like the quarter finals.
England seemed to end the match without scoring a goal in this match. But nine seconds before the end of the game, India got the eighth and last penalty corner. On this Gurjeet’s drag flick was deflected in the goal by Vandana Katariya standing right in front of the goal and the Indian team was successful in landing a goal.
It became difficult not to capitalize on the opportunity
The Indian team started playing in full color till the second quarter came. India kept England busy in defense most of the time by making continuous attacks from the right flank. During this, India got two penalty corners. Apart from this, got two chances to score goals. But none of these opportunities could be capitalized.
On the penalty corner, Gurjit Kaur’s shot was intercepted by cheekkeeper Hinch on the first occasion and her drag-flick on the second occasion went off par at the goal post.
Meanwhile, England scored a brilliant goal in the third quarter to take the lead 2-0. On this occasion, Sophie Hamilton threw a cross in front of the goal from the right and Tess Howard, who was there, deflected the ball into the goal. At the same time, when the Indian team was trying to come back in the last quarter, Hannah Martin scored the third goal for England.
India will have to hone the art of converting penalty corners to win against a strong team like England. For a long time, the Indian team seems weak in this matter.
The Indian team lost against England in the bronze medal match at the Tokyo Olympics for the same reason. Apart from this, he has lost many matches in recent times. However, scoring three goals on penalty corners against Wales seemed to have improved the team. But converting only one of the eight penalty corners against England has led to such a defeat for the team.
The Indian team should try to create a rift in the defense by changing the flank in the attacks. Against England, the Indian team made most of the attacks from the right flank. India’s failure to use the left flank in their attacks in the first three quarters did not help to disperse England’s defence. India used both the flanks in the attacks in the last quarter but it was too late.
