The Indian junior women’s hockey team had faced Ireland in the final Pool C match of the FIH Junior Women's World Cup, and the young ladies made India proud by securing a dominant 4-0 win at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Cesped, Estadio Nacional in Santiago on Friday. According to a press release from Hockey India, India's goals were scored by Purnima Yadav (42', 58'), Kanika Siwach (12'), and Sakshi Rana (57').
Starting with great intent, India dominated Ireland with attacks, winning an early Penalty Corner in the first 12 seconds of the match; however, the team was unable to capitalise on it. However, their attempt didn't reach the goal post. From the very first moment, Indian young bloods had built tight pressure on the opponent and got a penalty corner again, but the team again failed to secure the lead in the high-pressure match.
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Purnima Yadav scores twice as India cruises past Ireland
Sometimes, after Sakshi Rana provided the perfect assist to Kanika Siwach inside the circle, they secured the goal. Kanika skillfully manoeuvred around the charging Irish goalkeeper and placed the ball into an open net to break the deadlock.
The Indian goalkeeper showed her masterclass when Ireland's first attempt at a goal came in the 24th minute of the match. In the third quarter, India maintained ball possession and effectively stretched the Irish defense, continuing to control the tempo of the game. In the 40th minute, India's Manisha delivered an incisive pass to Sukhveer Kaur; however, Kaur's shot narrowly sailed over the post, missing the net by a whisker. Moments later, in the 42nd minute, India got another Penalty Corner, and this time the Indian women's team capitalized on it perfectly. Sakshi Shukla’s pass to Purnima Yadav in front of the goal helped the team to get the advantage.
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India maintained control in the fourth quarter despite Ireland’s brief fightback, highlighted by Eabha Curran breaking through and aiming for the bottom-right corner, only to be denied by Nandini’s perfectly timed block. India then sealed the match with two quick goals in the 57th and 58th minutes. First, Sakhi Rana (57') dazzled with brilliant 3D skills on the left flank, beating defenders and firing into the bottom corner. Just a minute later, Purnima Yadav (58') scored her second goal, calmly deflecting the ball over the goalkeeper to secure India’s fourth and final strike of the game.
