When the schedule was announced, it was expected that the top seed India will crush the lowest ranked Indonesia. However, solid and overcrowded defence of the debutante to Asian Games, Indonesia glorified themselves with a decent display that may act catalyst for its hockey program. FIH 64th ranked Indonesia kept the aggressive India in check especially in the second half, from scoring even out of easy ones.
It appeared India will have a walkover against the hosts today at Jakarta Asian Games, but it was not. Once India struck 6-0 goals till half time, at least another addition of same amount was expected. But Indonesian goalie and her defence made every save out of innumerable Indian attacks, yielding nothing.
The third quarter went goalless for India.
After Vandana struck India’s six goal, it took another 23 minutes for India to have the other. It was struck when naveet Kaur deflected a cross from right corner.
India in fact was in full control of the field proceedings, and kept on attacking.
India got as many as 22 penalty corners, a record, which speaks of the world no. 9 ranked rival. However, the hosts’ first charger in particular and the goalie in general would not blink.
Gurjit Kaur, yes, had struck a hat-trick, her third goal coming three minutes left for the hooter. What will bother coach Sojered Marinje is not the scoreline, the manner a novice errected a wall for his forwards. If Indonesia can do that, why not other teams too?. Gurjit Kaur, considered Indian trump took most of the PCs. Rani too tried at least four times, but her hit technique is now open, did not cut much ice even with the novice team. Many OPC effort were were cleared by the first rushers, once it was not stopped. Even defender Deep Grace Ekka was tested, but in vain.
Lalremsiami, and Naveet Kaur scored a goal apiece, Vandana twice and Gurjit accounted for three.