Jyoti and Neha scored in India’s win in the FIH Pro League. The Indian team has secured nine points with three wins.
The Indian women’s hockey team continued its unbeaten run in the FIH Pro League with a 2-1 win over Spain in a hard-fought match here on Saturday.
The world No. 9 Indian team led by Savita Poonia defeated the No. 6 team at the Kalinga Stadium.
Spain took the lead in the 18th minute thanks to a goal from Marta Segu but the Indian team was immediately equalized by Jyoti. After that, Neha scored a field goal in the 52nd minute to give India a 2-1 lead, which proved to be decisive.
Jyoti scored the first international goal:
The dominance of Spain was visible in the beginning. In the very fourth minute, the visiting team had secured the first penalty corner but the Indian defense easily averted the threat. In the first quarter, the Indian team entered Spain’s circle several times but could not score any goal.
Spain scored with the help of Segu in the third minute of the second quarter. India retaliated two minutes later when Jyoti retaliated single-handedly through Spain’s defense and scored her first international goal. Five minutes later, Spain again got a penalty corner but Indian goalkeeper Savita Poonia stood as a wall. The score was 1-1 at the intermission.
India’s defense strong:
After switching sides, India put more pressure on Spain by continuously attacking. However, there was no success in scoring the goal. Spain again tried to take the lead in the final quarter but the Indian defender line proved to be strong. When eight minutes were left for the end of the match, Neha redeemed the pass she got in the circle. Vandana Kataria’s first attempt was saved by the Spanish goalkeeper.
Savita’s team scored a hat-trick of victory:
Indian women’s hockey team registered its third win. Earlier, India defeated China 7-1 and 2-1 in the first two matches held in Muscat, Oman. Now on Sunday, the Indian team has to face Spain in the second leg match. The Indian team has secured nine points with three wins.