PTI | Boston
Poonam Rani scored twice as India came from behind to notch a 3-1 win over Chile in their second medal-round match and keep their semifinal hopes alive at the Women’s Junior Hockey World Cup here.
Apart from Poonam, who scored in the 28th and 62nd minute, Roselin Dung Dung (68th min) was the other goal-scorer for India.
Andrea Greene (15th minute) managed the lone goal for the Chileans.
With this win, India now have six points but are behind England, Australia and Korea in the six-team Pool E.
The Indians had gone down to England by a solitary goal in their pool opener.
In Sunday’s match, Chile took the initial edge but the persistent Indians won the game with a strong comeback in the second half.
The Chileans earned several penalty corners in the first half but apart from Andrea’s strike, Indian goalkeeper Jasdeep Kaur did well to save all.
However, within seven minutes of that goal, a diving Poonam deflected Joydeep Kaur’s pass past Chile’s goalkeeper Beatriz Wirth to draw India level.
Chile had a few breakaways in the second half but India’s defence kept them out of the circle.
India broke into the lead in the 62nd minute when Poonam combined with Ritu Rani to outwit Paula Liu and Manuela Urroz to nail an angular strike past the rival goalkeeper.
India’s third goal came six minutes later when Roselin found the target after captain Ranjita Devi Thokchom’s long pass.
Both teams earned four penalty corners each in the second half but none could be converted.
India will play their last game in this round against defending champions Korea on Tuesday.