Monchengladbach: India beat Spain 4-2 to advance to the semi-final of FIH Women's ERGO Hockey Junior World Cup 2013 in Monchengladbach, Germany on Thursday.
India recovered twice after Spain took a seventh lead when Xantal Gine converted a penalty corner. India equalized in the 10th minute through a field goal scored by Monika. Spain made it 2-1 in the 30th minute with a field goal scored by skipper Berta Bonastre. But Spanish joy was short-lived when Navneet Kaur made it 2-2 with just seconds left for half-time. Navneet scored with a lovely reverse flick.
India emerged a better side in the second session. Vandana Katariya scored from a penalty corner in the 41st minute to give India the lead for the first time in the match (3-2). Seven minutes later, Rani made the issue safe for India (4-2).
Neil Hawgood, head coach said: “The success has come from all the big losses as we have been beaten by the top teams in the world in World League Round 3. Now, this senior experience helps the girls here at the Junior World Cup. The girls were a bit nervous at the beginning but they showed character and continued to work for 70 minutes.”
Sushila Chanu Pukhrambam, team captain said, “Today’s key was the scoring and the team spirit. We decided to win this match and played fast throughout the whole game. We are very excited now as we have never reached the semi-finals before. Of course we would love to qualify for the final.”
Meanwhile, Rani said: “This is amazing. It is a great day for Hockey in India. I knew that we will win today if we keep up the pressure.”