The Asian Age

Age Correspondent

New Delhi

Aug. 10: Poonam Rani scored a brace as India came from behind to register a 3-1 win over Chile in a second-round match to keep their semifinal hopes alive at the women’s junior hockey World Cup at Harvard University’s Jordan Field in Boston on Sunday, according to information received here.

Roselin Dung Dung (68th min) was the other goal-scorer, while Chile’s Andrea Greene struck for her team in the 15th minute.

India now have six points, but trail England, Australia and Korea in the six-team Pool E.

They lost to England by a solitary goal in their pool opener earlier.

On the day, Chile began on a quick note but the persistent Indians won the game with a strong comeback in the second half.

After multiple penalty corners for Chile which were well saved by goalkeeper Jasdeep Kaur, Greene put the first number on the scoreboard from a neat set up by skipper Sofia Walbaum in the 15th minute.

However with seven minutes left in the first half, a diving Poonam Rani deflected Joydeep Kaur’s pass past Chile goalkeeper Beatriz Wirth to put India level.

Chile had a few breakaways in the second half but India’s defence kept them out of the circle.

India went ahead in the 62nd minute when Poonam Rani combined with her Shahbad colleague Ritu Rani to outwit Paula Liu and Manuela Urroz before netting at an angle past the onrushing Wirth.

India’s third goal came six minutes later when Roselin found the target on captain Ranjita Devi Thokchom’s long pass.

India will play their last game in this round against defending champions Korea on Tuesday.