The Indian women’s national hockey team lost 0-1 against the United States on Saturday in the first match of its FIH Women’s Olympic Qualifier. India, ranked sixth in the women’s hockey world, had the better of the possession and had numerous opportunities to score, including seven penalty corners. However, they were unable to get the ball past the US defence.
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Abigail Tamer scored the only goal of the match for the United States in the 66th minute of their Pool B encounter. The loss will have a negative impact on India’s progress in Paris as they will have to face more powerful opposition in the next games. The first quarter saw little difference between the two teams as they played a close-fought contest. Both sides had some circle penetrations but goals eluded them.
After creating multiple attacks to score, India conceded in the first minute of the 2nd quarter. Tamer took the advantage of a lapse in Indian defence and scored.
The Indians created numerous chances after that and received a host of penalty corners but failed to convert as USA held on to etch out a much-needed win for them.