Tough Aussie challenge awaits in last-four stage
Going into the final quarter of their do-or-die contest against Canada and with the scores level at 2-all with 11 minutes left on the clock, Savita Punia and Co. had their backs to the wall. Given Canada's superior goal difference, nothing but a win could have seen India through to the semifinals.
'Never give up' is an attitude the Indian women's hockey team has been embracing for a while, and that very characteristic saw them through to the last four with a 3-2 win over Canada. Lalremsiami scored the winner in the 51st minute. India face a stern Australia test in the quest for a final berth.
Having let England off the hook and suffered a 1-3 defeat in the previous match, attack was the buzzword for the Indian side. Three minutes into the game, Salima Tete tapped in a Navneet Kaur pass into the far post off a penalty corner. The Canadians flexed their muscles, played rough and made inroads but failed to convert. In the 22nd minute, Navneet doubled India's lead by slotting into an open goal.
After the break, Canada came back strongly. But having regained the lead with nine minutes to go for the hooter, India did well to ensure there were no last-minute letdowns.
