London: India produced an impressive display before conceding a late goal to play out a 1-1 draw against World No.2 England in their opening Pool B match of the women’s hockey World Cup here, Saturday. Neha Goyal gave India the lead in the 25th minute before Lily Owsley equalised from a penalty corner in the 54th minute.
World No.10, the Indian eves punched above their weight and gave England a run for their money in the keenly-contested duel. Even though the hosts had more scoring chances with penalty corners, the Indian defence stood tall with goalkeeper Savita Punia stealing the show with some brilliant saves.
England earned their first penalty corner inside 32 seconds of the game and then another in the eighth minute but on both occasions the Indian defence kept a tight vigil to keep their goal out of danger.
England earned two more penalty corners in the second quarter but on both occasions, Savita showed great reflexes under the bar to keep the danger away.
The Indians, on the other hand, caught the English defence off guard on more than one occasion from open play. From one such occasion, India broke the deadlock when Goyal found herself at the right spot to direct the ball into the net and stun the hosts.
The Indians showed great fighting character and composure to hold the England attackers at bay in the third quarter. Trailing by a goal, England attacked in numbers in the final quarter, but the Indian eves held firm. Finally with time ticking away, England converted their fifth set-piece to restore parity in the game. Though Savita blocked the initial attempt, Owsley found the target from the rebound.
150th game for Namita
London: Hockey India (HI) congratulated Saturday midfielder Namita Toppo for completing 150 international caps for India when she took the field against England. The 23-year-old from Odisha made her International debut for the senior team in the FIH Champions Challenge Cup at Dublin in 2012. “I would like to congratulate Namita Toppo on completing 150 international caps for India. Her contribution during the six years since her debut has been immense. She is a player who brings stability to India’s midfield,” said Md Mushtaque Ahmad, secretary-general, HI. “I feel extremely proud to have represented the nation for 150 International matches,” Namita said.