Tokyo Olympics 2020: Indian women’s team beat South Africa in a thrilling encounter

 Despite being not at their best, the Indian women’s team defeated South Africa in the last Group A match to stay alive in the Tokyo Olympics played at Oi Hockey Stadium, North Pitch on Saturday.

The Indian team started off aggressively earning 2 penalty corners in the initial stages. Soon after, Vandana Kataria scored from a deflection in the 4^th minute to give India a 1-0 lead. Indian team continued their domination over the South African team. The South African attackers made aggressive moves. Due to lack of concentration by the Indian defense, Glasby scored in the 15^th minute to level scores at 1-1. Before the hooter went, India earned a penalty corner but could not do anything. Both teams went into the first quarter 1-1.

A superb deflection by Vandana Kataria from a superb penalty corner in the 17^th minute gave India a 2-1 lead. Both teams had chances of scoring goals but could not convert it goalkeepers showed great skills. South Africa earned a penalty corner and Hunter did the deflection in the 30^th minute to help them level the scores at 2-2. Both teams went into the first half with a scoreline reading at 2-2.

The third quarter saw Indian gaining the lead again as a brilliant deflection by Neha Goyal from a penalty corner in 32^nd minute. Lalremsami was awarded a green card for a mistimed challenge on South African player. South African team took advantage of one player as Marizen Marias displayed great skills to go past Savita’s hand in 39^th minute to level the scores. Both teams went into the third quarter at 3-3. South Africa received two green cards.

Vandana Kataria created history by becoming the first Indian women to score a hattrick in Olympics history. India earned a penalty corner and a superb deflection by Vandana Kataria in the 49^th minute gave them 4-3 lead. South Africa started the fourth quarter with a green card. The South African team put enough pressure on the Indian defense. South Africa was awarded a penalty corner but due to review, the decision was reversed. Indian team won the match by 4-3 and registered their 2^nd win of the tournament.

Indian women’s team move up to 6 points and currently at 4^th place. It boils down to the match between Ireland and Great Britain. If Great Britain wins or draw, India will qualify for knockouts. If Ireland wins, India is out.

 

Indian women's team beat South Africa by 4-3 to stay alive in the tournament