By Prabhjot Singh | Netherlands |
India recorded their biggest win in the women’s World Cup, defeating South Africa 6-1 at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen to strengthen their chances of reaching the knockout stage.
The result, India’s first win in two matches, came after China stunned England 4-2, throwing the group wide open. India and China are level at the top, with India ahead on goal difference. England are third, while South Africa remain winless.
India, with Bichu Devi in goal, went ahead in the 11th minute when Sunelita Toppo scored following a goalmouth melee.
Navneet doubled the advantage from a penalty corner in the 17th minute before Sushila converted a rebound from another penalty-corner sequence to give India a 3-0 halftime lead.
South Africa produced occasional threats through Onthatile Zulu and Nisopa Mokoena, but their promising solo runs lacked the finishing touch.
India extended their lead in the 38th minute when Deepika finished a flowing move involving Baljeet and Navneet. Lalremsiami made it 5-0 in the 43rd minute with a powerful drive from the top of the circle.
Sakshi Rana then capitalised on a rebound off the post, scoring with a reverse flick to make it 6-0 — the highest score of the tournament so far.
South Africa grabbed a consolation from a penalty corner in the 56th minute. India sought a video referral, but the goal stood.
Ishika suffered a forehead injury in the closing seconds and had to be escorted off the field.
Earlier, China defeated England 4-2 after goals from Meirong Zou, Yang Chen and Chencheng Liu put them 3-0 ahead by halftime. Zou added her second in the third quarter before England replied late through Tessa Howard and Sophie Hamilton.
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(Prabhjot Singh is a veteran journalist with over three decades of experience of 14 years with Reuters News and 30 years with The Tribune Group. He has covered Punjab and Sikh affairs for more than three decades besides covering seven Olympics)
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