Women’s Hockey World Cup: India handed tough Irish lesson

New Delhi: India’s hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals were dented as they lost 0-1 to Ireland in a crucial Pool B match of the Vitality Women’s Hockey World Cup in London on Thursday. World No. 16 Ireland, who had earlier shocked the seventh-ranked USA in their opening game, handed India a tough lesson and became the first team to qualify for the last eight.

India were far from outplayed in the opening two quarters, creating numerous chances but failing to seriously threaten the goal occupied by Ireland shot-stopper Ayeisha McFerran, said an FIH press release.

The Green Army made the first mark on the scoreboard thanks to a wonderful penalty corner routine, with Anna O’Flanagan angling the perfect deflection high into the Indian net.

India had the better of the third quarter and won a trio of penalty corners, but failed to make the most of their opportunities and found themselves still trailing as the teams entered the final period.

India went for broke in the final five minutes, replacing goalkeeper Savita with an outfield player in an effort to get the goal that they were looking for.

Germany beat Argentina
On Wednesday, Germany registered a 3-2 win over Argentina to cement their place at the top of Pool C.

Charlotte Stapenhorst (two) and Hannah Gablac scored for Germany, while Argentina’s response came from Florenica Habif and Maria Ortiz.

Later, England captain Alex Danson received her 200th cap in the 1-1 draw against USA. Danson put England ahead in the 34th minute, an effort that was negated by Erin Matson.