Jincheon (Korea): The series already in their pocket, Indian women’s hockey team lost 0-4 to hosts South Korea in the inconsequential third and final match of the rubber, here Friday.
India had earlier registered back-to-back identical 2-1 wins over Korea in the first two games to pocket the series.
India’s defence was put under huge pressure right from the start as the hosts made successful forays into the striking circle. The hosts earned five penalty corners in the match and converted one in the 29th minute through Jang Heesan to go ahead. Then back-to-back goals in the 41st minute from Kim Hyunji and Kang Jina put the hosts in a strong position.
The three goals dented India’s morale and any chances of a comeback into the match. Lee Yuri’s goal in the 53rd minute made it an emphatic win for the hosts.
“The learning process is always with ups and downs and today was one such experience where we had to deal with setbacks early on and could not recover. But this does not mean we won’t learn from this experience,” said India’s chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.
“Even then I am happy with our performances in the first two matches. And now we know what we must improve upon to be fully prepared for the FIH Women’s Series Finals Hiroshima 2019,” added Marijne.
PTI