India hold England to 0-0 draw. (Pic credit: Hockey India)
NEW DELHI: India secured their place in the second round of the Women’s Hockey World Cup after holding England to a tense 0-0 draw in their final Pool D match on Thursday, surviving a late onslaught to finish second in the group. India had opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against China before producing a stunning 6-1 victory over South Africa. However, they were forced to spend long periods defending as England pushed desperately for the win they needed to stay alive.
The final moments provided the biggest test, with India goalkeeper Bichu Devi producing a stunning save to deny Tessa Howard a decisive goal in the dying seconds. The second quarter belonged largely to England, who earned three penalty corners compared to India’s one. India’s attacking threat diminished as the match progressed, with the team increasingly dropping deep and relying on a compact defensive structure. England continued to probe around the Indian circle but repeatedly found the route to goal blocked. The pressure intensified after the break. England dominated the third quarter and earned five penalty corners, while India managed only one. Yet the Indian defence continued to absorb the pressure, with Bichu Devi and experienced goalkeeper Savita Punia making crucial interventions. India were forced to defend almost entirely inside their own half as England searched for the goal that would keep their World Cup campaign alive. The Indian defence continued to block shots and disrupt England’s attacking combinations.