Goalkeeper Nidhi made several brilliant saves as India defeated Uruguay 3-1 in shootout after an intense 1-1 draw to stay in contention for a ninth place finish in the hockey Junior Women’s World Cup. Manisha (19’) scored for India while Justina Arregui (60’) slammed the equaliser for Uruguay on Tuesday in the 9/12 qualification match. The first quarter saw India control the game, creating multiple chances early on. However, Uruguay won the first penalty corner in the fifth minute but squandered the chance.
India earned a penalty corner in the 18th minute and played an interesting variation by passing the ball to Sakshi Rana on the near post. But her shot was blocked by the rival goalkeeper. Moments later, India broke the deadlock with Manisha (19’) striking the ball from a distance as India took the lead. The game opened up in the final quarter with Uruguay playing a lot more freely. With two minutes left on the clock, Uruguay switched their goalkeeper for an outfield player to push ahead in numbers and it paid off.
With two seconds left on the clock, Uruguay won a penalty stroke. Justina Arregui converted the it to take the game into shootout. India emerged victorious in the shootout as Purnima Yadav, Ishika and Kanika Siwach scored while goalkeeper Nidhi denied Uruguay thrice to ensure her team progresses in the tournament. India will next play Spain on Thursday in the 9th/10th place match.
