India beat Italy, keep Rio dream alive

Antwerp (Belgium), July 2

India kept their Olympic qualification dreams alive by beating lower-ranked Italy in the shoot-out in a classification match of the women's Hockey World League Semifinals at the KHC Dragons Stadium.

The Indian eves, ranked 13, prevailed 5-4 over Italy, ranked 16th, after both the teams were locked (1-1) at the end of the regulation time.

India failed to capitalise on numerous opportunities during the regulation time. The ensuing shoot-out also failed to break the deadlock as both the teams scored four times each from their five shots and the contest went to sudden-death.

Taking the first try in sudden-death, Rani Rampal shot on the target before goalkeeper Savita brought off a fine save against Giuliana Ruggieri to spark celebrations in the Indian camp. Rani Rampal had earlier scored the equaliser for India in the 33rd minute after Italy opened the scoring against the run of play in the ninth minute of the contest.

In the shoot-out, experienced striker Vandana Katariya muffed her attempt while Navjot Kaur, Anuradha Thokchom, Rani Rampal and Deepika scored for India. For Italy, Valentina Braconi, Marcela Casale, Guiliana Ruggieri and Chiara Tiddi shot on target but Dalila Mirabella was denied by the Indian custodian. The victory takes India into the play-off for the fifth and sixth spot on Saturday, where they will face the winner of the Belgium vs Japan match.

Three Olympic spots are on offer at this tournament, but even some teams not advancing to the semis are likely to qualify as five continental champions might have already booked a ticket to Rio. 

Indian men face nippy Belgians in semis

India will face one of their toughest tests in defence when they square off against the marauding Belgians in what promises to be a robust semifinal clash on Friday.

The encounter will test the ability of India's defence against the Belgian strikers, who have tasted enormous success in the past couple of years to boost their world ranking to No. 4 — the highest in their hockey history. Belgium have enjoyed a slight edge over India since the 2011 Champions Challenge final in Johannesburg. “Playing Belgium suits our game. Belgium play a structured game and we're ready for this contest," said India coach Paul van Ass.

Van Ass said his team usually find the Asian teams to be tougher rivals. It was evident on Thursday when India were made to work hard for the 3-2 victory by the nippy Malaysian rivals.

It was two late penalty-corner goals from youngster Jasjit Singh that turned the tide in India's favour. “I thought I was playing an afternoon game during the Indian summer," said captain Sardar Singh, pleased to have earned a place in the World League Finals that India will host later this year.

Belgium too had to overcome rising temperature in the quarterfinals yesterday, managing to hold off a late resurgence from France to clinch a 5-4 victory. In the other semifinal, World champions Australia will take on Great Britain. — PTI