Auckland: India failed to register their first win as they went down to USA when they lost 1-2 by a Golden Goal in the play-off for bronze medal at the first leg of the Four Nation Tournament played at Harbour Hockey Stadium in Auckland, New Zealand today.
Tied 1-1 at the end of the hooter, India conceded a penalty stroke which was converted by USA captain Lauren Crandall in the 73rd minute. The Golden Goal dashed India's hope of registering their first win of the tournament.
India and USA played a defensive game and it was the latter who took the lead in the 47th Minute through a penalty corner. Shannon Taylor dragged the ball beating the pole defender Joydeep Kaur and sounding the board. In an attempt to score level India started pressing and made some good penetrations in to the circle but they weren’t able to score as few Indian forwards held the ball few seconds extra that allowed USA defenders to come back in to high numbers to defend their goal.
India finally managed to draw level to USA by scoring in the 56th minute. Poonam Rani penetrated in to the circle to give a tailor made pass to Chanchan Thokchom and the latter made no mistake to tip-in the ball. USA got four PC's until the final whistle their scoring chances. On the other hand for the Indians once again Poonam could not give the final touch to Asunta's well directed ball.
After the final whistle in the extra time a hard hit rose alarmingly from Asunta's stick inside the circle and the umpire gave penalty corner. A direct shot by Shannon Taylor hit pole player Joydeep's foot and umpire gave penalty stroke which was converted by Lauren Crandall in the 73rd minute.
In the final match New Zealand beat Australia by 3-2 to win the tournament.
The second leg of the Four Nation Tournament will be played at Lloyd Elsmore Hockey Stadium in Pakuranga, New Zealand from 18- 22 April 2012.
India will take on USA on 18 April followed by Australia and New Zealand.
By Indian Sports News Network
