Indian hockey women outclassed by Britain  

Rio de Janeiro: India’s women’s hockey team was outplayed 0-3 by higher-ranked Britain in its second group stage match of the Olympic Games here on Monday.

The difference in class and quality between the two teams was clearly on display as world No.7 Britain scored through Giselle Ansley (25th minute), Nicola White (27th) and Alexandra Danson (33rd). It was India’s first loss in Pool B after they drew the opening game against Japan 2-2, while Britain earned their second consecutive win - following a 2-1 win over higher-ranked Australia.

India next play Australia on Wednesday, while Britain face Argentina. World No.13 India found the going tough against Britain from the start. Britain attacked with regularity and intruded the Indian circle using both the flanks to the maximum. However, India’s defence managed to keep the goals away in the first quarter and in the second quarter too, the story didn’t change. But the scoreline did. Britain managed to find two goals within a space of just three minutes. Ansley successfully converted their penalty corner in the 25th minute. Two minutes later, Nicola fired a field goal from a tight angle to double the advantage. After the 10-minute break, Britain continued on their offensive play and found their third goal just three minutes into the third quarter when Danson hit a field goal past Indian custodian Savita.

Later, India managed to earn two penalty corners but they were not utilised as the Britain defence stood strong. Britain, despite a 3-0 lead, didn’t sit back and attacked at the Indian post even though they were not able to add any more goals. India’s hunt to find their first goal continued till the end as the y lost 0-3. In other Pool B match, the United States defeated Australia 2-1. In Pool A action, Germany beat New Zealand 2-1, while defending champions the Netherlands thrashed South Korea 4-0, thanks to a hat-trick from Kelly Jonker.

IANS