By Prabhjot Singh | Holland |
India and China shared the points after a 2-2 draw in the women’s FIH Hockey World Cup at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on August 16.
India twice took the lead but could not hold on, with China fighting back on both occasions. While the Indians struggled at times with passing and stick infringements, China showed better positioning and greater composure in moving the ball.
India made a bright start and earned an early penalty corner before going ahead in the seventh minute. From a free hit outside the circle, Neha sent the ball in for Navneet, whose deflection found the boards.
China levelled late in the opening quarter after Jiaqi Zhong was brought down, resulting in a penalty stroke. India challenged the decision, but the video referee upheld the umpire’s call. Ying Zhang converted from the spot to make it 1-1.
India regained the lead in the 25th minute from its third penalty corner. Deepika’s attempt took a deflection off a Chinese defender’s stick and went into the net. After a video referral, the goal stood, giving India a 2-1 advantage at half-time.
China responded in the third quarter. A penalty corner in the 39th minute was converted by Ma Ning to restore parity at 2-2.
China earned another penalty corner a minute later, but India goalkeeper Savita Punia cleared the danger. Savita was replaced at the start of the final quarter.
China had another opportunity from a penalty corner in the 57th minute after India was penalised for a stick infringement, but failed to capitalise.
The match eventually ended 2-2, leaving the two Asian rivals to settle for a point each.
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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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