NEW DELHI: The Indian women on Sunday qualified for Round 3 of the World Hockey League after beating Russia 1-0 in Round 2 that concluded at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.

Japan, who beat Malaysia 4-0, was the other team to go through with both teams at 13 points each.

Eight teams from four Round 2 events (being played in single pool round-robin format) will be participating in Round 3 which will have two pools of four teams each followed by the classification matches.

Rani Rampal (51st minute), who was declared the “player of the match,” struck the winner for the hosts. Coach Neil Hawgood said that the aim was to qualify for the next level. “Structurally, we moved the ball well.

In the first half we defended well but were frustrated as the goals were not coming. The girls need to learn how to win tournaments,” he said.

Indians dominated the first half but failed to convert any chances. The Indian midfield kept the Russian forwards away. The only time the visitors came close to scoring was in the 21st minute when Ekaterina Shaburova had just Jaspreet Kaur and goalkeeper Yogita to beat.

An alert Jaspreet ticked the ball away. Russia then earned two penalty corners in the concluding minutes of the first half but failed to capitalise.

One expected the hosts to be more aggressive in the second half and India did not disappoint as they continued to breach the circle at regular intervals. A confident Russian defence, though, tasted their patience.

However, a combination of cross passes from the Indians finally opened the gap on the left as Rani’s attempt found the net above the goalkeeper. In another match, Kazakhstan beat Fiji 4-0.
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