Field Hockey

Indian Women’s Hockey team aim for first win of the World Cup as they take on China after 1-1 draw against England

 

The Indian Women’s hockey team have started their FIH World Cup campaign with positivity as they managed to hold out a 1-1 draw against England in the first match. The match against England was their most difficult game in the group stage but now they will have to win the next two matches to move into the knockouts with ease.

The Indian eves will next take on China in their second game at the World Cup and head coach Janneke Schopman and her girls will be hoping to earn their first win against their neighbours as they hope to gain some momentum in the competition.

However Schopman is certain that India can improve from their 1-1 draw against England but she is more or less happy with their effort on the opening night. “I think we started the game really well, creating a penalty corner in the opening minute. England were dangerous at times but we managed to play well on the ball and defended calmly most of the time. We were unlucky in our penalty corner execution and in the end, the two green cards disturbed our rhythm a little.”

Savita Punia also feels that India could have done much better in several place but is satisfied with a point against a very strong team to start the World Cup. I think we could have done better and converted our chances to win the match, nevertheless, we have picked up a valuable point against a very strong team. So, it’s a positive start for us.”

India will go up against China in their next match and it is a game that they will start as favourites given the recent record against the opponents. India have faced China three times this year and have won all three of them. The Indian eves won the 3rd place playoff at the Asian Cup as they also won both the Hockey Pro League matches, (7-1, 2-1) and will hope that they register their fourth win of the year over China at the all important World Cup.

On the other hand, the Chinese have started their World Cup campaign also with a draw. The held out New Zealand to a 2-2 draw and will be hoping to eke something out from the India game aswell.

Speaking ahead of the game both captain Savita Punia and coach Janneke Schopman are giving China their due respect but they feel confident heading into the game. “China is a very good team, they are full of surprises and we will have to be on the top of our game against them. It will be really important to convert our chances and execute our plans perfectly. We are looking forward to a good challenge, and the focus as always will be to play good hockey,” Savita concluded.

 

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

“Never expected a very easy run” – Gautam Gambhir reflects on his tenure as coach after IND vs NZ 2024 Test series defeat

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir has admitted that he never expected a very easy run… Read More

October 31, 2024

Probably has a lot to do with playing on flat wickets in T20 – Gautam Gambhir on decline of good defensive technique in Test cricket

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir feels T20 cricket has led to the downfall of a… Read More

October 31, 2024

India needs Mumbai Test win before Australia tour – Gautam Gambhir

Indian head coach Gautam Gambhir feels the Rohit Sharma-led team desperately needs to win the… Read More

October 31, 2024

I cannot say just the batters have let us down – Gautam Gambhir feels everyone should take responsibility for series loss against New Zealand

India’s head coach Gautam Gambhir refused to blame the batters after the team’s 2-0 series… Read More

October 31, 2024

It was insane – Bronny James after scoring his first NBA bucket

Los Angeles Lakers rookie Bronny James was on cloud nine after he managed to score… Read More

October 31, 2024

I’m happy with my team’s performance: Mohun Bagan SG head coach Jose Molina after win against Hyderabad FC

Mohun Bagan Super Giant head coach Jose Molina was delighted with the team’s performance after… Read More

October 31, 2024