New Delhi: After a spirited performance all through the tournament, India lost 0-2 against England in the final of the FIH Women’s Hockey World Qualifier on Saturday. The Indian women hockey team, which had beaten Italy in the semifinals, have already qualified for this year’s World Cup, to be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium.
Meanwhile, world number six England scored through a penalty corner conversion by Grace Balsdon in the 13th minute as they were successful in breaking the deadlock. It was followed up by a double strike as Elizabeth Neal was successful in a solid field strike in the 43rd minute, after the second quarter ended goalless.
India women try hard but fail
The Indian women, ranked ninth in the world, tried their heart and soul throughout the entire 60 minutes but failed to break the resolute English defence. The first goal came in the first quarter from England while the second came in the third quarter as the first and last quarter of the final contest went goalless.
India had beaten Italy in the semis on Friday with a resilient effort scoring the only goal and ensuring a good defence through the remaining part of the contest. Besides champions England, runners-up India and Scotland, who defeated Italy 1-0, qualified from this event for the World Cup.