India women beat Uruguay 3-2, top Pool A unbeaten at FIH Nations Cup
Synopsis
India's women's hockey team finished Pool A unbeaten at the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland, beating Uruguay 3-2 in a match that had everything — an early deficit, a late equaliser, and a match-winning penalty corner in the 56th minute. Deepika's brace and Neha's 200th cap made it a night to remember as India set their sights on the title and a Pro League return.
Key Takeaways
India beat Uruguay 3-2 in Auckland on 18 June to top Pool A at the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26.
Deepika scored twice ( 24', 56' ) via penalty corners; Deepika Soreng added a field goal in the 43rd minute .
India earned seven penalty corners to Uruguay's two, converting two at decisive moments.
Midfielder Neha marked her 200th senior international appearance for the Indian Women's Hockey Team.
India won all three Pool A games, defeating USA , Japan , and Uruguay ; USA qualified second from the group.
India face Chile or Korea in the semi-finals on 20 June , with the FIH Pro League berth also at stake.
The Indian women's hockey team secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over Uruguay in their final Pool A match at the FIH Hockey Women's Nations Cup New Zealand 2025-26 in Auckland on Thursday, 18 June, finishing the group stage with three wins from three games. Drag-flicker Deepika starred with a brace, while Deepika Soreng added a field goal to seal India's place at the top of Pool A.
Match Summary
Uruguay drew first blood in the 13th minute when Chiara Appennino converted a penalty corner, putting the South American side ahead after a closely contested opening quarter. India levelled before halftime through Deepika, who fired home a penalty corner in the 24th minute to make it 1-1.
India stepped up the pressure after the break and took a 2-1 lead in the 43rd minute via a fine field goal from Deepika Soreng. Uruguay captain Manuela Vilar equalised in the 55th minute to set up a tense finish, but India responded almost instantly — Deepika completed her brace just a minute later, converting her second penalty corner of the evening to restore the lead at 3-2 and seal the win.
Dominant Attacking Display
India's control of the match was evident in the statistics: they earned seven penalty corners to Uruguay's two, converting two of them at crucial junctures. The team's ability to absorb pressure and respond immediately after conceding late underlined the composure that has defined their campaign.
Neha's Milestone Moment
The match carried added significance as midfielder Neha celebrated her 200th senior international cap for the Indian Women's Hockey Team — a landmark achievement that added an emotional dimension to an already high-stakes fixture.
Road to the Semi-Finals
With three consecutive victories over USA, Japan, and Uruguay, India advance to the semi-finals as Pool A toppers. USA also qualified from Pool A, finishing second. India are likely to face either Chile or Korea in the semi-finals, scheduled for 20 June. A strong semi-final run would also bolster India's bid to return to the FIH Pro League.
Point of View
But the more instructive detail is how they won — conceding twice, including in the 55th minute, before finding the decisive goal 60 seconds later. That kind of late-game nerve is not a given for this side and signals a maturity that previous Nations Cup campaigns lacked. The real test arrives on 20 June: Chile and Korea are technically compact opponents who will not gift seven penalty corners. If Deepika's drag-flick holds up under that pressure, India's Pro League ambitions are well-founded.
NationPress
9 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the result of India vs Uruguay at the FIH Nations Cup 2025-26?
India defeated Uruguay 3-2 in their final Pool A match in Auckland on 18 June. Deepika scored twice and Deepika Soreng added a goal to complete the comeback win.
Who scored for India against Uruguay?
Deepika scored in the 24th and 56th minutes, both via penalty corners, while Deepika Soreng netted a field goal in the 43rd minute. Uruguay's goals came from Chiara Appennino (13') and Manuela Vilar (55').
Who did India qualify with from Pool A?
India topped Pool A with three wins from three games. USA finished second in the group and also advanced to the semi-finals.
Who will India face in the semi-finals?
India are likely to face either Chile or Korea in the semi-finals, which are scheduled for 20 June 2025.
What milestone did Neha achieve in the match against Uruguay?
Midfielder Neha made her 200th senior international appearance for the Indian Women's Hockey Team during the match against Uruguay on 18 June.
