FIH Pro League: India fend off USA, win 4-2

Rotterdam, June 21

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The Indian women’s hockey team all but sealed a third-place finish in its debut season of the FIH Pro League. India came from a goal down to beat USA 4-2 in the opening match of their two-leg tie here today.

Danielle Grega gave USA the lead with a field goal in the 27th minute. Grega steered the ball past Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam from Erin Matson’s lofted pass from the midfield.

But Deep Grace Ekka equalised in the final minute of the first half with a penalty corner conversion.

India hit again almost immediately after the restart, with Navneet Kaur scoring a field goal. She was set up by Vandana Katariya after a fine build-up from the right flank.

Sonika made it 3-1 in the 39th minute with a field goal, courtesy a defensive lapse from the Americans. USA managed to reduce the margin through a penalty corner conversion from Natalie Konerth in the 45th minute, but the experienced Katariya restored India’s two-goal lead from a counterattack in the 49th minute. India took control of the game in the closing stages to seal a clinical victory.

India, who play their final match of the season against USA tomorrow, have 27 points from 13 matches. Fourth-placed Belgium have 22 points with two games in hand. A victory, or even a bonus point from winning the shootout, tomorrow will ensure a third-place finish for India. — Agencies