JOHANNESBURG – Indian Women’s Hockey team secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Chile on Wednesday to book their tickets for the knockout stage of the Women’s Hockey World League Semi Final.
Preetti Dubey’s 38th minute goal ensured India earned their first win in the tournament after a goalless draw against South Africa and 1-4 loss to mighty USA in their previous matches.
Both sides looked to score early in the game, played in South African city of Johannesburg.
India thought they had taken the lead in the 12th minute off the penalty corner rebound. However, the goal was overturned after a video referral and the first half ended goalless.
However, the Asians finally made a breakthrough when Pretti Dubey slotted home in the third quarter. India looked to increase their lead thereafter, but had to switch tactics after Renuka Yadav was yellow carded. They thus started the final quarter with 10 men.
Chile attacked relentlessly in the final quarter which led to some tense moments for India’s defence. They even earned back-to-back penalty corners with 5 minutes to go. But India defended well in the death, thus giving them their first win of the tournament.
India will take on Argentina in their final Pool B match on July 16.
