Another defeat leaves Indians cold

Another defeat leaves Indians cold
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Milton Keynes, March 30: Indian women slumped to a new low when they went down 1-2 to the United States in their final match of the Olympic hockey qualifying tournament, ending their campaign without a single point here on Wednesday.

Great Britain qualified with a 1-0 victory over China. The result left Great Britain top of Pool B with nine points and three wins from their four matches. New Zealand qualified in second place with seven points, the same as China but a superior goal difference.

Germany topped Pool A, while Spain's 2-0 victory over Ireland ensured they were runners-up.

With their hopes of reaching the Olympics already in smoke after three successive defeats, Indians had a chance of redeeming some pride by beating the Americans but failed.

India struck first blood when forward Jyoti Sunita Kullu sounded the board in the 31st minute but the Americans rallied strongly in the second session to score through Cindy Werley (48th) and captain Tracey Fuchs (66th) to claim full points.

India started well and their efforts were rewarded four minutes before the end of the first half when striker Jyoti Sunita Kullu struck a superb goal off a solo run - beating rival goalkeeper Peggy Storrar with a low shot from the left side of the circle.

But the Indians, who have struggled here because of the extremely cold conditions and their inferior stamina, could not press home the advantage in the second half as the Americans scored twice to seal their fate.

Great Britain's heroine was experienced international Jane Sixsmith. Running into the `D' her well struck shot gave the Chinese goalkeeper Yali Nie no chance in the 42nd minute. A tense finale ensued but solid defending saw Great Britain through to victory.