4 China to a draw, India will look to strengthen their bid for a top-two finish in Pool D when they face South Africa in their second Women’s Hockey World Cup match here on Tuesday. Amstelveen, High on confidence after holding Olympic silver medallists and world No.
India, ranked ninth in the world, produced a disciplined display to secure a 2-2 draw against a fancied Chinese side in their tournament opener. The result has given them a valuable point and put them in a good position to qualify for the second round. India showed plenty of promise in their opening match. Drag-flicker Deepika converted a penalty corner and also earned another, while World Cup debutants Sunelita Toppo, Ishika and Shilpi Dabas displayed composure well beyond their experience.
India controlled the opening quarter and went into half-time with a 2-1 lead, but their intensity dropped after the break. They sat deeper in the third quarter, allowing China to take control and eventually find the equaliser. “We scored a penalty corner and a field goal, but I’m not happy with the third quarter. We need to work on ball possession and ball retention.
The team must have felt relieved after the draw in the first match,” Marijne said.
