New Delhi: The Indian women’s hockey team finished runners-up in the FIH Hockey World Cup qualifiers after losing 0-2 to England on Saturday. Despite the defeat, India still managed to qualify for this year’s Women’s Hockey World Cup. England, ranked sixth in the world, showed their quality in the first quarter by scoring again in the third.India actually started the match strongly and created the opening chance when Navneet Kaur won a penalty corner within the first two minutes. However, this attempt was saved by England’s goalkeeper. The Indian team continued to push forward in the opening half and managed to penetrate several circles, but failed to seriously trouble the opposition goalkeeper.England gradually settled into the game and took the lead in the 13th minute through Grace Balsdon, who curled home a penalty corner with a drag flick. India continued to try to break down the English defence, but England fought back in a disciplined and organized fashion to maintain their one-goal lead at half-time.With the lead, England controlled possession in the second half and dictated the pace of the match. Their second goal came in the 43rd minute when Elizabeth Neal scored from open play. His shot deflected off an Indian defender before going past goalkeeper Bichu Devi to double England’s lead.India attacked in the last quarter and even got a late penalty corner, but failed to convert it into a goal. England remained confident and refused to sit back defensively, preventing India from making a comeback.Along with champions England and runners-up India, Scotland also qualified for the World Cup by defeating Italy 1-0. The upcoming Women’s Hockey World Cup will be jointly hosted by Holland and Belgium from August 14 to 30, along with the men’s tournament.
