In a first for them, India advanced to the semi-finals of the Junior Hockey World Cup in Monchengladbach, Germ-any, on Thursday. The Indians defeated Spain 4-2 in their quarter-final, thus becoming the first team from the competition to enter the last-four stage.
In the semi-finals, India face Holland, who thrashed South Africa 9-1 in their last-eight encounter. England and Argentina will face-off in the other semi-final.
Spain took an early lead through Xantal Gine, who converted a penalty corner in the seventh minute. India replied quickly, levelling the scores three minutes later through striker Monika.
Spain skipper Bonastre Berta put them ahead again in the 30th minute before India pulled back the equaliser just at the stroke of half time. Navneet Kaur struck a field goal to make it 2-2.
The second half belonged to India as they breezed to a 4-2 lead with goals from Vandana Kataria and vice-captain Rani Rampal.
Said India coach Neil Hawgood after the game, “The success has come from all the big losses we suffered at the hands of the top teams in the World League Round 3 last month. Now, this senior experience is helping the girls here at the Junior World Cup.”
Skipper Sushila Chanu said, “Today’s key was scoring and team spirit. We played fast hockey throughout.”