In the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup on Monday in Valencia, Spain, India held off a late comeback by Japan to clinch a 2-1 victory.
India beats Japan in women’s hockey
When Salima Tete changed direction and tackled two Japanese defenders inside the penalty area in the fifth minute, she gave India the lead. She then calmly finished the play by putting the ball beyond Eika Nakamura.
Then, in the 40th minute, a young Jharkhand player named Beauty Dungdung scored her first senior-level international hockey goal with a magnificent effort as she made her way through a determined Japanese hustle.
Rui Takashima’s goal in the 49th minute gave Japan a chance to tie the score, but India held on to earn their second victory in as many games despite Japan’s valiant effort in the final period.
In the tournament’s first game of Pool B, Pool B’s opening match saw India defeat Chile 3-1. Now in control of Pool B and on the verge of securing a position in the final four is the Savita Punia-led team, which has six points after two games.
In the event that Chile and South Africa, hockey players who are scheduled to play later on Monday, tie their game. Thus, India will advance to the semifinals. To guarantee their spot in the last four, they must draw with South Africa in their final league game on December 14 if they don’t.
India launched a barrage of attacks to start the game, and it was player of the match Tete who finally handed them the advantage with a brilliant finish. They could have easily scored a couple more, but the team led by Janneke Schopman’s coaching staff continued to struggle with their penalty corner conversions.
India received nine attempts from PC, but none of them could be converted because it remained their top priority.
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