Hockey World Cup | India survives England’s onslaught, advances to the next round
The Indian women's hockey team secured a spot in the World Cup second round after a hard-fought goalless draw against England. Despite heavy pressure and numerous penalty corners from the English side, India's defense and goalkeeper Bichu Devi held firm.
Why it matters
This represents a significant competitive achievement for the Indian national team on the international sports stage.
It was not the way they would have wanted, but it would just be fine. They made it harder for themselves, but the Indian women survived an onslaught from England to hold on for a nervy goalless draw on Thursday and progress to the World Cup second round.
The sun, for a change, crept up over the Wagener Stadion as the Indian team basked in a rare moment of success on this stage. In a pool (D) where India (five points) was ranked the third-best side, Sjoerd Marijne’s outfit finished second behind China (seven points).
It was a superb rearguard effort from the Indian defence with England needing just one goal to break the resistance and with that, the rival’s hearts.
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