New Delhi: Indian eves were held to a 1-1 draw in their opening match by a much lower rated team from Ukraine in the Olympic qualifiers at the Dhyanchand National Stadium here on Saturday. India came back from behind by a goal from a equaliser by Soundarya Yendala to avoid what would have been an embarrassing defeat.
After going down 1-0, courtesy a nice direct hit by Maryna Vynohradova, it required Yendala’s 42nd minute heroics to avoid an early disappointment in the tournament at the hands of a team which is much lower ranked than India.
The match started by a warm reception by the crowd. India took the first stride when Ritu Rani’s shot missed the plank in the 3rd minute. But it was Ukraine who got the first penalty corner in the 6th minute; they however failed to capitalize on the opportunity. It took a great shot from the opponent’s captain to give the visitors the lead over the much fancied hosts.
After conceding the lead, the Indians did try to make a comeback in the match but was stopped by the determined Ukrainian defence.
After the half time the hosts pressed on and were able to equalize in the 42nd minute. After equalizing Indians played more attacking hockey resulting in them getting the short corners in the 55th and the 57th minute, they missed both the opportunities though.
Indians came close to get the lead in the 60th minute but the goal was disallowed as it was the ball that was rising and was declared as dangerous play.
After the match Indian coach C. R. Kumar said, “We did not perform to the expectations that we set. We did not control the ball well and were not able to complete the passes. We have to perform better than this in the future matches.”
“We missed a lot of opportunities, we failed to capitalize at the crucial moments, we will learn from this and will try to improve from here on”, said Asunta Lakra, Indian captain.
By Gaurav Jha
Indian Sports News
