Women’s Hockey World Cup: Savita Punia saves the day

Terassa (Spain), July 12

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Skipper Savita Punia starred in goal as India defeated Canada 3-2 in the shootout after both teams were tied 1-1 at the end of regulation time in their classification match at the FIH Women’s Hockey World Cup here today.

Madeline Secco (11th minute) handed Canada the lead before Salima Tete (58th) equalised deep into the game. But the real hero of the match was Savita, who pulled off as many as six saves in the shootout to give India the first win of the tournament.

Navneet Kaur, Sonika and Neha all converted in the shootout in this ninth to 16th place classification match.

Bouncing back from their disappointing loss to Spain, India started the match on an attacking note.

After absorbing the initial pressure, Canada managed to score but the goal was disallowed as the referee awarded a penalty corner and Natalie Sourisseau’s attempt was off target. A few minutes later Canada won another penalty corner. This time the variation created confusion in the India defence, and Kathleen Leahy passed it to Secco for the final touch to stun the Indians.

India began strongly in the second quarter and penetrated the Canadian defence on numerous occasions.

Navneet Kaur, Neha and Vandana Katariya moved with freedom as Canada were under the cosh for most of the quarter. In the 25th minute, Navneet and Vandana combined to create a fine chance but the shot was kept out. India thus trailed by a goal at halftime.

It was one-way traffic after the change of ends too as India looked lively on the ball. But Canada’s Sara McManus and Hannah Haughn put in stellar performances at the back to keep their lead intact.