Navneet Kaur (archive photo)
The Indian women’s hockey team came back from two goals down to defeat the United States 3-2 in their opening Group A match at the IIHF World Cup in Auckland on Monday.Deepika scored two goals for India, while Navneet Kaur added the third goal.
Ashley Sessa and Madeline Zimmer scored for the United States. The winner of the Nations Cup will earn promotion to the FIH Pro League, from which India were relegated last season.The USA got off to a fast start and took the lead in the fourth minute when Ashley Sessa kicked a field goal.Three minutes later, the Americans extended their lead when Madeline Zimmer converted a corner kick in the seventh minute to make it 2-0.India gradually settled into the game and found their way back in the second quarter.
Dipika Twinkle converted a corner kick in the 17th minute to reduce the deficit.
India continued to put pressure on the US defense and were awarded another penalty kick midway through the quarter. Deepika stepped up again and converted in the 24th minute to tie the score at 2-2.The comeback was completed before half-time. Navneet Kaur scored from a penalty kick in the 28th minute to put India ahead 3-2, giving the team a one-goal lead at half-time.
The second half witnessed intense competition, as both teams sought to score goals. India and the USA were awarded six penalty kicks each during the match, but neither team was able to score again in the final two quarters.India defended their lead in the final minutes to secure all three points and start their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a win.Following the result, India moved to second place in Group A with three points, equal to Japan, which leads the standings on goal difference.