Rani Rampal’s experience and adorable athleticism of Vandana Kataria came in time for India to post a laborious 2-0 victory over Malaysia in the third and last pool match here in Kakagimahara Asia Cup. The victory did not seem on cards for India in the first three quarters when it struggled against pressing Malaysia. Fortune changed for India in the last five minutes.
As speedying Rani sent a cross into the circle after a good left flank surge, equally fast Vandana Kataria dived full to deflect the aerial ball into the cage in the 54th minute (1-0). India, which got the control the match only in the fourth quarter, added another goal in the next minute when Gurjit Kaur drag-flicked the last of India’s penalty corner (2-0) to deny hardworking Malaysians any relief.
India played a scrappy and faulty first three quarters where almost Malaysia held the sway. The fact that they got as many as six penalty corners compared to India’s two vouchsafe for their dominance. However, Indian defence with Deep Grace Ekka, Neha Goel, Lilima Minz and Sunit Lakra stood like a rock of Gibraltor to deny the Malaysians any goal. Only time their goal went in was disallowed by Japan umpire Soma Chieko, which will be explained later.
India had terrific start, earning a penalty corner from the bully off, but Gurjit Kaur’s powerful flick was predictable to Malaysian goalie Farah Yahya. She did not yield to Indian pressure almost first three quarters.
Shortly later, Japan umpire awarded another penalty corner for India as a result of a melee, but on seeing vociferous protest by Malaysian players he reversed her own decision.
At the stroke of first quarter, captain Rani asked for a foot, and thus another penalty corner, but her referral was turned down by the third umpire. But was allowed to keep the referral for another time.
Two minutes in the second quarter, Malaysia got its first penalty corner, the ball went in, celebrations started, but umpire did not allow the goal for slapping the ball in the indirect penalty try. It took for a while for the Malaysian girls to come to normal.
In the 20th minute, Navneet Kaur dodged two defenders to strike a shot at goal on the run, but Malaysian goalie blocked it.
The tenor and tune of the game changed midway through second quarter, Malaysia asserting better part of the proceedings.
“In the first three quarters, Malaysia gave us much space. Once we got the space, we indulged in holding the ball, dribbling. The old habits did not die. Once the girls realized goals are not coming, they returned to basics, single touch game start flowing. That’s why we could play better in the last quarter”, said Harendra who feels the team needs to improve on many areas.
Yesterday, Malaysian coach regretted over the absence of his main drag flicker, who did not get leave from her employer. This concern came to taunt him today, as Malaysia would not use any of the six hard-earned penalty corners.
Indian forwardline did not click, as hits, crash balls, and soft shots at goals were taken care of by the crowded Malaysian defence
With three wins in three matches, India expectedly tops the pool.
Indian girls here in Kakagimahara is showing great fighting spirit having won all the three matches.