Join WhatsApp Channel
India recorded its biggest victory in the Women’s Hockey World Cup with a commanding 6-1 win over South Africa at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen.
The victory, India’s first in two matches, strengthened its prospects of advancing to the knockout stage from a group thrown wide open after China stunned England 4-2 earlier in the day.
India and China now share the top spot in the group. India leads on goal difference, followed by China. England, with one victory from two matches, occupies third place, while winless South Africa remains at the bottom.
India will face England in its final group match, while China will take on South Africa.
India started with Bichu Devi Kharibam in goal and adopted an attacking approach from the opening whistle. However, South Africa earned the first penalty corner after Bichu Devi produced a fine save to deny Caylin Maree.
India received its first penalty corner in the seventh minute, but the attempt was saved and deflected away.
Sunelita Toppo broke the deadlock in the 11th minute, capitalizing on a goalmouth scramble to give India a 1-0 lead. India maintained that advantage through the end of the opening quarter.
The Indian side extended its lead two minutes into the second quarter. Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute with a low, direct strike to make it 2-0.
South Africa attempted to respond through Onthatile Zulu, whose impressive solo run in the 23rd minute unsettled the Indian defense. However, her teammates were unable to capitalize on the opportunity.
India quickly regained control and earned another penalty corner in the 24th minute. Navneet’s initial attempt struck a defender’s foot, resulting in another penalty corner. After a series of efforts and another penalty corner award, Sushila Chanu converted a rebound to give India a 3-0 advantage.
India continued to apply pressure as South Africa struggled to contain its attacks. Another penalty corner followed in the 27th minute, although India was unable to convert it.
The Indian team entered halftime with a comfortable 3-0 lead.
Zulu again demonstrated her speed and ball control with another solo run in the 32nd minute, but the move lacked a decisive finish. Earlier, Nisopa Mokoena had produced a similar run down the left flank without troubling the scoreboard.
India nearly added another goal when Navneet received the ball from Salima Tete and attempted a shot, but the South African goalkeeper made the save with her pads. South Africa could not prevent India’s fourth goal a minute later. Deepika found the target in the 38th minute following an exchange of passes involving Baljeet Kaur and Navneet, extending India’s lead to 4-0.
Zulu earned a penalty corner for South Africa in the 40th minute, but the opportunity went unused.
Lalremsiami made it 5-0 in the 43rd minute with a powerful drive from the top of the circle.
India soon added another field goal. A shot from the right side of the circle struck the goalpost and rebounded into play, allowing Sakshi Rana to collect the loose ball and score with a reverse flick. The goal gave India a 6-0 advantage, the highest score recorded in the tournament at that stage.
South Africa scored a consolation goal from a penalty corner in the 56th minute. India challenged the decision through a video referral, but the goal was upheld, reducing the deficit to 6-1.
With fewer than 15 seconds remaining, Ishika Chaudhary suffered an injury to her forehead and had to be escorted from the field.
India completed the match with a 6-1 victory, its biggest win in Women’s World Cup competition.
Earlier in the day, China produced an upset by defeating England 4-2.
Played under overcast conditions with intermittent drizzle, the match began at a brisk pace as both teams searched for an opening. Neither side, however, managed to score during the first quarter.
China, seeking its first victory after drawing with India in its opening match, appeared more organized and penetrative during the second quarter. England entered the contest after beginning its campaign with a 4-0 victory over South Africa.
China began to dictate play from the 18th minute. Zou Meirong opened the scoring after taking advantage of a loose ball inside the circle and sending it past the England goalkeeper. China doubled its lead through Chen Yang in the 21st minute before Liu Chencheng added another goal two minutes later, giving the team a commanding 3-0 advantage.
China continued its scoring run in the third quarter. Zou completed her brace with a well-taken goal in the 35th minute, extending the lead to 4-0.
England missed several opportunities before finally reducing the deficit through Tessa Howard in the 54th minute. Sophie Hamilton added England’s second goal with a composed finish in the 57th minute.
Encouraged by the late goal, England withdrew its goalkeeper and introduced an additional outfield player. The tactical move came too late to alter the outcome, and China held on for a 4-2 victory.
Related posts:
England Rallies Past India 4-2 in Hockey World Cup
Spain Defeats India to Claim Ninth Place as South Africa, Ireland and Japan Close Strong at FIH Women’s Junior World Cup
India Defeats New Zealand 2-0 to Win FIH Women’s Nations Cup, Secures Return to Pro League
India, China Share Points in 2-2 Women’s Hockey World Cup Draw
