Indian women crush USA in the first match of Olympic qualifiers

The Indian women’s team defeated higher ranked United States of America side by 5-1 in the first match of Olympic qualifiers played at Kalinga Stadium, Bhuvneshwar on Friday.

It was an aggressive start for the Indian team in the first five minutes of game dominating the possession. In the 7^th minute, Alyssa Parker hit the shot wide off the post and India survived a scare. 3 minutes later, USA got another chance to score a goal as the shot went under the goalkeeper but could not convert. The visitors gained momentum which as another powerful shot went wide off the goal post. Lilima Minz was shown in the green card. At the end of first quarter the scores were 0-0.

The second quarter saw an attacking start from the Indian team as Sharmila missed a golden chance inside the circle in the 17^th minute. India dominated the possession with attacking hockey. In the 22^nd minute, Rani Rampal earned the first penalty corner but Kealise Robie saved the goal and counterattack from the USA team gave them their first PC. USA first penalty went wide off the goal post. Both teams had their chances of scoring the goal but could not do it. In the 28^th minute, India earned 2 back to back penalty corners. A brilliant shot rebound shot by Lilima Minz from second penalty corner gave India 1-0 lead. At the end of first half India led 1-0.

USA started the third quarter on an aggressive note, but the Indian defence was up to the mark. In the 34^th minute, India earned their 3^rd penalty corner but was well saved by USA defence. In the 38^th minute, India got 5^th PC of the match but well saved by the USA goalkeeper. In 40^th minute, a brilliant effort and Sharmila touch inside the circle gave the hosts 2-0 lead. India earned their 6^th penalty corner and Gurjuit Kaur power dragflick in the 42^nd minute made it 3-0 for India. It was another attacking display by the Indian forward as they earned their 7^th penalty corner. Gurjit hit the shot but was well saved from USA goalkeeper. India ended the 3^rd quarter in a commanding position at 3-0.

India began the fourth and final quarter on an aggressive note as a brilliant run from Navneet Kaur in the 46^th minute made it 4-0. Both teams played attacking hockey. In the 51^st minute,  India was awarded the penalty stroke and Navneet Kaur made it 5-0. In the next minute, Erison Matson converted penalty stroke to get a consolation goal. USA looked aggressive but could not manage the 2^nd goal. India won the match by 5-1.

The 2nd leg of the qualifiers will be played tomorrow.

Indian women crush USA by 5-1 in the first Olympic qualifiers