India qualified for the Women’s Hockey World League semi-final after beating Chile in the final of Round 2. After the score was locked at 1-1 at the end of regulation time, it took a shootout to decide the match, in which India goalkeeper Savita starred to help her team win.
Savita denied Chile’s Kim Jacob and Josefa Villalabeitia in the shootout to give India the advantage. India captain Rani Rampal and Monika then converted their chances to give their team a 2-0 lead. Chile’s Carolina Garcia then scored the team’s third attempt, before India’s Deepika netted to seal the game. Savita was adjudged goalkeeper of the tournament.
Before the match went into penalties, the two teams played out a gripping 1-1 draw, reported PTI. Maria Maldonado got Chile an early lead, in the fifth minute, to put India under pressure. However, Rampal’s women did not give up and maintained a good defensive structure. India restored parity in the 41st minute after Anupa Barla successfully converted a penalty corner.
Both teams pressed hard for the winner in the fourth quarter, and India striker Rampal came close to scoring, but her shot was saved by Chile goalkeeper Claudia Schuler.
“It was a very good match and we are happy with the way we played,” Rampal said after the game. “Chile was a tough side to beat and we really had to keep ourselves motivated to keep pushing for a goal after they took an early lead. It was a challenging tournament for us with difficult weather conditions as it rained for a few days, but we are extremely thrilled that we are through to the World League semi-final.”
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