Savita and Co. lose as USA go one better in Olympics qualifiers

Ranchi, January 13

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A profligate Indian team squandered chances galore to lose 0-1 to lower-ranked United States of America in its opening match of the FIH women’s Olympics qualifiers here today.

Ranked sixth in the world, India dominated the possession and created numerous scoring chances, including as many as seven penalty corners, but failed to breach the American defence.

USA, ranked 24th in the world, scored the solitary goal of the match through Abigail Tamer in the 16th minute of their Pool B match.

The defeat would make India’s road to Paris tougher as they will be up against stronger teams in next matches.

There was hardly anything to separate the two sides in the first quarter which witnessed a keenly-contested battle. Both the teams managed a few circle penetrations but goals eluded them.

The Indians, however, were guilty of not using both the flanks, unlike USA, who build their attacks from both sides.

India’s woes from penalty corners remained unchanged as they wasted as many as six of them.

The Americans sounded the board in the 11th minute through skipper Amanda Golini but the goal was disallowed for obstruction, much to the relief of the packed stadium.

The Indians, however, got a rude shock as USA took the lead a minute into the second quarter through Tamer, who was also assisted by some poor defending by the home team inside their D.

India’s persistent pressure resulted in three penalty corners in quick succession but the Americans defended stoutly.

Minutes from halftime, India created two more chances. First, Ishika Chaudhary’s tomahawk from a tight angle went inches wide of the American goal and then Navneet Kaur’s reverse hit from inside the circle was brilliantly saved by an alert Kelsey Bing.

The Indians didn’t learn their lesson after the change of ends as they continued to build their attacks through the middle but the Americans crowded the area to deny their opponents any chances.

The India held on to the ball too much without releasing it instantly, a strategy that cost them dearly. — PTI

NZ, Germany romp to easy victories

Ranchi: Pre-tournament favourites Germany produced a power-packed outing to defeat lower-ranked Chile 3-0 to open their campaign on a rousing note today. In the opening Pool B match, world No. 5 Germany rode on goals from Selin Oruz (7th minute), Jette Flescutz (10th) and Lisa Nolte (38th) to secure an easy win over world No. 14 Chile. Meanwhile, Frances Davies struck a brace as New Zealand converted three penalty corners to outclass Italy 3-0 in their opening Pool B match here today. Davies (7th, 51st minutes) and Stephanie Dickins (53rd) sounded the board for New Zealand.