Indian jr girls enter enter maiden World Cup semis

Image
Press Trust of India Monchengladbach (Germany)
Last Updated : Aug 01 2013 | 3:20 PM IST
India scripted history as they stunned higher-ranked Spain 4-2 to enter the semifinals of the Women's Junior Hockey World Cup for the first time here today.
They may have started the game as underdogs, but the Indian girls rose to the occasion and dished out a spirited performance to tame their higher-rated opponents and seal a last-four berth for the first time in the history of the event.
India sounded the board twice in each half through Monika (10th minute), Navneet Kaur (34th), Vandana Katariya (41st) and Rani (48th) while Spain's goals came in the first period from the sticks of Xantal Gine (7th) and captain Berta Bonastra (30th).
It was the Spanish girls who struck first through Gine, who converted a penalty corner in the seventh minute.
India equalised just three minutes later through a field effort from Monika.
Spain restored their lead just five minutes from the lemon break through Bonastra before Navneet restored parity for India with an outstanding reverse stick shot in the dying minutes of the opening half.
However, after the change of ends, India took the initiative and surged ahead in the 41st minute when Katariya converted a penalty corner.
Seven minutes later Rani extended India's lead and made the scoreline 4-2.
With 22 minutes still remaining in the game, Spain had plenty of time to forge a comeback in the match and they did put pressure on the Indian defence with numerous raids.
But the Indian backline stood firm to deny their opponents any inroads.
India will take on the winners of the last quarterfinal between Netherlands and South Africa in the semifinal tomorrow.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Aug 01 2013 | 3:20 PM IST

Next Story