Women’s Hockey WC: India lose to Ireland 0-1

London: Indian women’s hockey team lost to Ireland in their second match of the ongoing 14th edition of the women’s hockey World Cup here at Lee Valley Hockey and Tennis Stadium on Thursday.

The Irish team thrashed the Indian side 0-1 to move further in the tournament.

India started off on an attacking note with skipper Rani Rampal penetrating into the opposition’s circle. Her efforts did not get converted into the goal as she was dispossessed by the Irish defenders.

In the fourth minute, Indian defender Gurjit Kaur struck a brilliant flick to create a chance for the team but again it was the Irish defenders who guarded their goalpost, successfully.

Ireland made their first attacking move in the 12th minute of the match and entered the Indian circle. Their forward Ana O’Flanagan did not miss a chance and scored a wonderful goal off a one-handed deflection giving the team 1-0 lead in the first quarter.

In the 18th minute of the match, forward player Sunita was given a green card due to which there were only 10 Indian players on the field for the next two minutes.

The match was slipping out of the hands of the Indians as they missed another penalty corner in the 22nd minute of the match.

At the halftime, the score was 1-0 in the favour of Ireland.

Right from the start of the second half, Ireland were unstoppable on the field and were clearly a better team.
India made some desperate attempts to level the scorecard but missed some close chances including one penalty corner in the 55th minute of the match.

Ireland registered a convincing win over the Indians and made their way to the quarter-final of the prestigious tournament.

India, who have gained just one point in the tournament so far, will take on the United States of America (USA) in their third match to stay alive in the tournament. (ANI)