The Indian women’s hockey team drew a tough 1-1 draw against England in the opening match of the FIH World Cup here on Sunday. He took the lead through Isabella Petter nine minutes into the match before Vandana Katariya equalized for India after 28 minutes. There was little to distinguish between the two sides in the first two quarters as they tit-for-tat. India were first shy about conceding from the first minute in a corner, but they squandered the opportunity.
A few minutes later, captain Savita made an excellent save in front of the England women’s goal.
After an ancient showdown, England took the lead thanks to Petter, who finished neatly in a ball from outside the ‘D’.
India responded brilliantly and secured a corner a few seconds later, but Gurjit Kaur was denied first by the post and then by England keeper Hinch.
India kept up the tempo and continued to press the England defense and won the third corner in the 17th minute, but once again Gurjit faltered.
Three minutes later, Savita again came to the rescue of India to continue the match. In the 28th minute, India secured their fourth corner when Vandana scored from a rebound.
India were awarded another corner at half-time, but again, England goalkeeper Hinch made a brilliant save.
England started off brilliantly after making a substitution, but it was India who made the save, only when Neha Goyal’s shot was saved by Hinch.
England then dominated for the remainder of the third half but were unable to translate their efforts into goals.
The ancient match between the two teams continued to take place in the 4th and last half but did not bring results.
After 56 minutes, India had a very good chance to take the lead, but Sharmila Devi missed from close range when the ball touched her feet.
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Two minutes later, India was awarded another corner but once again squandered the opportunity to split the points.
India will take on China in their next Group B match on Tuesday.
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