England Overcomes India in FIH Women’s Pro League Shootout
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Synopsis
In an exhilarating FIH Women’s Pro League match, England edged past India in a shootout after a thrilling 2-2 draw. The match, held at Kalinga Hockey Stadium, saw remarkable performances, including a debut goal from Rutaja, but England secured the bonus point with a sudden-death victory.
Key Takeaways
- England defeated India 2-1 in the shootout.
- Rutaja Dadaso Pisal scored on her international debut.
- Both teams ended the match with a point after a 2-2 draw.
- Savita made four vital saves in the shootout.
- England secured a crucial bonus point.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (NationPress) Following a 2-2 stalemate, England triumphed over India in a shootout, securing the bonus point in their FIH Hockey Pro League (Women) match at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Sunday.
Navneet Kaur (53’) and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal (57’) netted for India, while Paige Gillot (40’) and Tessa Howard (56’) scored for England. It was a memorable evening for Rutaja, who marked her senior international debut with a goal that leveled the match for India.
The initial quarter showcased promising opportunities for both teams, yet neither could secure an early advantage. England maintained control of the ball, generating several opportunities in the shooting circle, while India struggled defensively. England earned two penalty corners in the ninth and 11th minutes, but Savita was exceptional in goal throughout the quarter, preserving the scoreline.
India earned their first penalty corner in the 16th minute, with Manisha Chauhan’s shot hitting the post after a deflection. Another penalty corner followed, but the English goalkeeper thwarted the dragflick attempt. A third penalty corner arrived in the 22nd minute, but Deepika’s flick was unsuccessful in finding the net.
As the second quarter drew to a close, Rutaja and Navneet received green cards, temporarily reducing India to nine players. Nonetheless, the home team exhibited strong defensive play and managed to conclude the first half at 0-0.
India quickly earned a penalty corner at the start of the second half and executed a clever variation, but England successfully defended the attempt. In the 38th minute, England was awarded a penalty corner, yet Savita made another crucial save to keep her team in contention. Shortly after, England took the lead with a penalty corner when Sophie Hamilton delivered a powerful strike into the circle, which Paige Gillot deflected into the net.
As the final quarter commenced, India surged forward in the 53rd minute, but a stick tackle from Elizabeth Neal on Mumtaz halted their progress. India was awarded a penalty stroke, which was converted by vice-captain Navneet with a splendid shot.
In the dying moments of the match, England received consecutive penalty corners, finding the net in the 56th minute. Hamilton’s delivery was deflected into the goal by Tessa Howard’s stick. After a brief review, the pivotal goal was confirmed for England.
Seconds later, India responded with a well-deserved equalizer when Sunelita Toppo assisted Rutaja, who skillfully navigated around defenders to score on her debut in the 57th minute.
With the score tied after four quarters, both teams earned a point, leading to a shootout for the bonus point. Only Navneet and Lily Walker scored in the initial five attempts, prompting sudden death where England clinched victory 2-1, thanks to Hamilton's decisive goal. Savita performed admirably, making four saves during the shootout, but the outcome was not in her favor.
