Finance
On Wednesday, the Indian women’s hockey team defeated Japan 3-1 at the FIH Hockey Women’s World Cup Spain & Netherlands 2022 at Estadi Olimpic de Terrassa in Spain.
Navneet Kaur (30′, 45′) scored two goals for India, while Deep Grace Ekka (38′) also scored a crucial goal in the game. Yu Asai (20′) scored the game-winning goal for Japan.
India got off to a fast start, as Neha passed the ball inside the circle to Navneet Kaur, setting up an early chance. A few minutes later, Gurjit Kaur attempted to put India ahead with a penalty corner. However, Moeka Tsubouchi of Japan defended well to clear the ball.
The Indian team’s best chance came when Navneet Kaur broke through the Japanese defense and penetrated inside the circle. However, Japan averted the threat, and the first quarter ended with both teams tied at 0-0.
India picked up where they left off in the second quarter. Shihori Oikawa of Japan had to save the ball from the edge of the goalpost after an early threatening move. Vandana Katariya’s goal-bound shot a few minutes later tested goalkeeper Eika Nakamura. Yu Asai opened the scoring for Japan in the 20th minute after a Penalty Corner. Navneet Kaur equalized with a stunning late goal, and the two teams went into the halftime break tied at 1-1.
The second half began with both teams attempting to keep the ball in midfield and maintain possession. Gurjit Kaur’s early Penalty Corner attempt was wide of the mark. Deep Grace Ekka converted from another Penalty Corner a few minutes later, hitting the ball towards the bottom right corner to give India a 2-1 lead. Japan conceded again in the final seconds of the quarter when Navneet Kaur scored her second goal of the game, extending India’s lead to 3-1.
Japan immediately began looking for goals to get back into the game in the final quarter. But India maintained a strict defence line to prevent any danger. Lalremsiami started up a dangerous move from the right flanks, putting the opposition on the back foot once more. In the final few minutes of the game, India maintained possession deep inside Japan’s half, while the opposition struggled to get on the ball, and India won 3-1.
Source:DH
