India’s Beijing hopes dashed

It was India’s biggest defeat to the USA in a long time. When the teams last met at the Johannesburg Champions Challenge Cup in 2003, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

After three consecutive defeats out of four matches, India can now only aim to finish third in the six-nation event. India, who have only managed to defeat Russia on the opening day, will take on France on Saturday in their last pool match.

It was the fourth victory on the trot for the United States and either Netherlands Antilles or Belgium, who have nine points each with a match left, are likely to compete for the other spot in Sunday’s final.

Despite a brilliant first half, the Indian defence came crashing down in the second half, leaving the precise American forwards a free hand. Once Jesse Gey set the scoring in the 29th minute, it was then effortlessly followed by Kelly Doton (38th), Angela Loy (45th) and Carrie Lingo (48th). India got two penalty corners late in the proceedings which were frittered away.

Earlier in the day, Belgium defeated a fighting Netherlands Antilles 3-2. The islanders needed just a draw to reach the finals, which would have kept Belgium and India out of contention.

The India-USA match was played on even keel and till Gey’s opening goal, which came against the run of play, India were well in control. Goalkeeper Deepikamurthy appeared unbeatable when she confidently warded off a firm free-hit deflection by Carrie Lingo in the initial stages.

The second half in contrast was one-sided. Using the flanks, the States opened up the game and the Indians did not have an answer.