Ireland dash India’s hopes of semis berth
NEWDELHI: India’s dream of entering the Women’s Hockey World Cup semi-finals was left shattered as Ireland subdued them in the 3-1 shoot-out in London on Friday. The game had ended in a 0-0 deadlock in regulation time.
In the penalty shoot-out Rani, Monika, Navjot Kaur missed their shots with only Reena Khokhar finding the target. For Ireland, Roisin Upton, Alison Meeke and Chloe Watkins scored to lead their team to the semi-finals.
This is Ireland’s maiden entry into the last four stage of Women’s Hockey World Cup.
For India, their fourth-place finish in the 1974 edition still remains the best ever result for the team.
In the group stages, India were stunned 0-1 by a spirited Ireland team, which went on to top Pool B.
It continued in the same vein in the quarter-final clash as their defence kept a tight leash on the Indian forwards. India’s Lilima Minz shouldered maximum workload in the midfield and launched repeated forays into the circle. But the ability to penetrate deep was lacking as the first quarter ended goalless.
Ireland created the first opportunity in the second quarter as they broke forward but again it was Lilima who thwarted the danger. She intercepted well as India held on.
A battle for ball possession ensued as both teams sought to gain control of the midfield. Clear chances were missing from both ends. Ireland, who had also defeated USA en route to the last eight, threw the Indians a tough challenge with forward Anna O’flanagan making quite a few circle penetrations.
However, veteran Rani Rampal out of nowhere had a sublime opportunity to put India ahead as in the 25th minute she entered the circle with great manoeuvring. But her shot was wide off the mark as the game went into halftime goalless. India used the flanks well but Ireland’s forwards gave an energetic reply.
Deep Ekka had to make a couple of brilliant interceptions to avert the danger. Sunita Lakra too tackled deep in the Indian half to keep the rival forwards at bay.
India got a golden chance in the 49th minute to go forward as they earned a penalty corner. But Ireland goalkeeper Ayeisha Mcferran saved the shot to deny India.
Despite the setback, India tried to inject pace in the attack but no team could score.