Women's Hockey WC: English miss for Indian women

MADRID: India were denied a victory after their first goal was controversially disallowed and were forced to share points with England in a Pool ‘A’ match of the women’s field hockey World Cup here on Sunday. Asunta Lakra scored with a powerful drive in the nick of half-time to put India ahead 1-0, but the Indians were shocked to see the scoreboard read 0-0 when they came out to resume play in the second period.

The Indian eves, who had lost their previous two matches by a one-goal margin, went on to hold England 1-1 and earn their first point in the 12-nation tournament. Schloe Rogers gave England their first goal, tapping in a sloppy clearance by the Indian goalie in the 47th minute. But India levelled the scores 11 minutes later when a penalty stroke was awarded after an England defender’s boot deflected a shot at the goal. Surinder Kaur converted in style for her fourth goal of the tournament.

The pass that fed Lakra in the 35th minute was adjudged to have come from a high-held stick, hence the cancellation of the goal. But what angered the Indian camp was that the goal was allowed by the on-field umpire but the decision was quietly reversed during the break.

As if to add insult to injury, the tournament officials refused to accept India’s protest and call for video evidence. Coach Maharaj Kaushik and Co. were told they could register a protest only at the end of the match.

India-England matches have a history of controversies. In the final of the Manchester Commonwealth Games in 2002, India won by a golden goal which was disputed by the rivals.

Sunday’s match was full of drama, too. Television replays being called into play to decide on an England goal with two minutes to go for the buzzer. India appealed against an England goal through a long range shot that was deflected by Kary Williams inside the circle. Video evidence backed their claim and their appeal was upheld.

Going into the day, last edition’s runners-up Holland and Spain led Pool ‘A’ with six points each after two rounds of matches. England, after their third match today, have four points while India have one. Germany had three and China none at the start of the day’s proceedings.

Australia led Pool ‘B’ with nine points followed by Argentina (7), South Korea (4), South Africa (2), Japan (1) and the USA (1), who all have played three matches each. Top two teams from each pool advance to the semifinals.