Despite finishing runners-up, Indian women still qualify for Hockey World Cup

New Delhi: The Indian women’s hockey team lost 0-2 to England in the International Hockey World Cup qualifiers on Saturday to finish second. Despite the defeat, India qualified for this year’s Women’s Hockey World Cup. England, ranked sixth in the world, showed its strength by scoring one goal each in the first and third quarters.In fact, India started strong and created a chance within the first two minutes when Navneet Kaur won a corner kick. However, the shot was saved by the England goalkeeper. In the first half, the Indian team continued to push forward and made many breakthroughs, but failed to cause serious trouble to the opponent’s goalkeeper.England gradually adapted to the game and took the lead in the 13th minute when Grace Balsdon successfully converted a corner kick. India kept trying to break through England’s defence, but England remained disciplined and organized at the back to maintain a one-goal lead at half-time.With their advantage, England dominated possession and dictated the tempo of the game in the second half. Their second goal came in the 43rd minute when Elizabeth Neal scored from the air. Her shot looped around an Indian defender and past goalkeeper Bichu Devi to double England’s lead.India continued to attack in the final quarter and even got a penalty chance in the final seconds, but they could not convert it into a goal. England remained confident and refrained from backing down defensively, thus preventing India’s comeback.Scotland defeated Italy 1-0 and qualified for the World Cup along with champion England and runner-up India. The upcoming Women’s Hockey World Cup will be co-hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium along with the Men’s Hockey World Cup from August 14-30.