Rani Rampal gives India 5th position at the Antwerp
Indian will surely be at Rio
Antwerp (Belgium), 04 July 2015: Indian girls further cemented their Rio hopes with a hard fought win over Asian rival Japan. In the match for the fifth place decider today, ever alert Rani Ramphal of Shahbad fame bounced on to a half volley rebound from goalkeeper and whacked the ball to the right roof of cage in the first quarter, which stood rest of three intense quarters, giving India fifth position in the Hockey World League Semifinal. This win narrows distance to Rio.
The vital encounter began with Indian forwards leading the attack from the centre. This led them to win a penalty corner within the first 30 seconds but failed to score. Japan led by their skipper, Miyuki Nakagawa and their star forward Akiko Kato tried to break into the India’s D but were blocked by Indian’s superb defense line. Luck favored India, when Vandana with a superb burst of speed, broke into the opponent’s D from the left flank taking a shot at the goal and which on rebound was slammed in by Rani Rampal in the 13th minute, giving India the much required lead in the game.
The second quarter saw Indian eves constantly breaking into the Japanese D to increase their lead. Japan won their first penalty corner in the 20th minute but their forward, Miyuki Kato failed to equalize their score as the Indian defence proved to be the barrier yet again. India with strategic gameplay, good patience and superb defense were successful in keeping their lead over Japan by the end of first half.
Japan attacked ferociously in the third quarter. Japan won their third penalty corner in the 37th minute. Miyuki Kato and Yamamoto Yukari tried to level the score but were defended superbly by Monika. Keeping their lead intact at the end of third quarter, India continued to defend well.
Goalkeeper Savita displayed superb agility as she deflected all the shots on goal.
Japan earned last minute penalty corner, over all 8th, but the Indian defence stood well to safeguard their citadel for the impending celebration.