Indian women’s World Cup dream ends after loss to Spain in crossover match

Terrassa (Spain), July 11: The Indian women’s hockey team crashed out of the FIH World Cup title race after losing 0-1 to co-hosts Spain in a hard-fought crossover match here on Monday. After a fiercely-contested three quarters, the Indian defense let in a goal just three minutes from the final hooter when Marta Segu scored from a rebound to exit from the knock-out rounds.
has been the case so far in the tournament, India fared poorly once again in converting penalty corners. They earned four in the game against Spain’s three but all the chances went in vain. India’s first penalty corner came in the eighth minute but the Spanish defense was up to the task to deny any inroads. In the first quarter, both the teams were a little hesitant in their play, committing some unforced errors which resulted in very few scoring chances. After that, it was all about Spain as they explored ways to get past the India back line. India captain Savita, in front of the goal, showed why she has such a high reputation as she pulled off saves time and again to keep the deadlock intact. Spain continued the attack in the second quarter and in a moment of goalkeeping brilliance, Savita made three consecutive saves, first from a Xantal Gine’s penalty corner strike, then a rebound from the same player, and finally a rebound from Begona Garcia to keep her side afloat.
Seconds later, India secured their second PC but first Spain goalie Melanie Garcia saved Monika’s shot, and then Lucia Jimenez showed immense composure to keep out the rebound.
India soon created a great opportunity to take the lead when Salima Tete set it up for Vandana Kataraiya with a brilliant run along the baseline but the latter dinked over the crossbar while trying to chip it over Garcia’s reach as both the teams failed to break the stalemate at half time. After the change of ends, India started on the front foot and Spain had to stay focused to keep their opponent’s attacks at bay.
The momentum shifted back and forth during the third quarter as both the teams were looking increasingly frantic, resulting in mistakes but the deadlock still remained. The fourth and final quarter saw both teams creating early opportunities. First, an unmarked Sara Barrios shot wide with only Savita to beat, and then a lovely flowing move by India was cut out before they could find the telling shot.