FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifiers: India beat Italy 1-0, set up final clash with England
Manisha Chauhan’s penalty-corner strike in the third-quarter helped India seal a hard-fought 1-0 win over Italy in the semifinal of the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifiers at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground in Hyderabad on Friday. In the title clash, India will meet England.
Midfielder Manisha scored the lone goal of the match in the 40th minute of the third quarter. She converted a penalty corner with a drag-flick that beat the Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso, who was brilliant throughout the game.
India had already booked their berth at the Women’s Hockey World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30.
The match began with high intensity with India attacking Italy’s circle consistently. The visitors too responded by creating scoring opportunities. India were brilliant in the second quarter, using the flank really well with quick runs, to keep Italy on the edge.
India got their first penalty corner in the 18th minutes, but Caruso blocked Navneet Kaur’s drag-flick. India earned another penalty corner in the 27th minute, but her effort was saved by an Italian defender. The hosts had another chance in the 29th minute, but the shot was off target.
In the second half, Italy looked threatening and created a chance early when Emilia Munitis broke into the circle only to be stopped by India goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam who rushed out and made the save.
India earned two penalty corners in the final quarter but Italy’s defence was brilliant. Italy also managed to secure a penalty corner in the 59th minute but India’s defence stood like a wall.
Earlier in the day, England beat Scotland 2-0 in another semifinal at the same venue. Lottie Bingham (25′) and Darcy Bourne (29′) scored the goals that sealed England’s place in the final against India.
