Bichu’s late effort was described as the ‘save of the match’ by Savita.
| Photo Credit: Hockey India
It was not the way they would have wanted, but it would just be fine. They made it harder for themselves, but the Indian women survived an onslaught from England to hold on for a nervy goalless draw on Thursday and progress to the World Cup second round.The sun, for a change, crept up over the Wagener Stadion as the Indian team basked in a rare moment of success on this stage. In a pool (D) where India (five points) was ranked the third-best side, Sjoerd Marijne’s outfit finished second behind China (seven points).It was a superb rearguard effort from the Indian defence with England needing just one goal to break the resistance and with that, the rival’s hearts.In the final minute, Tessa Howard struck at goal, but Bichu Devi sprung to her left to push the ball away, making India believe again. It was a remarkable save.Her jubilant senior goalkeeping partner Savita Punia called it the “save of the match”.
Marijne celebrates the qualification with the team members.
| Photo Credit:
