Both teams were on the verge of making their own history in different perspective, but it was Ireland who did it ultimately. What they could not do when they hosted the World Cup three decades ago at Dublin, they did it today in London. After goalless full time, the surprise pack Ireland struck thrice in the shoot out while India missed first three before Rena Kokkar striking but it was too late, as Chole Watkins would score in the fifth quota of her nation, leaving India not to take the last ball. What they could do was to challenge whether the goal was struck within 8 seconds, using the referral with them, but the ball was home just 0-3 seconds before deadline time. That’s it for India. Their semi-final dream will wait now another four years meaning 48 years.
Before this, Irish goalie Ayeisha McFerran stopped Rani Rampal and Monika from scoring before Navjot Kaur flicking wide after beating her. Ireland also missed the first one, an Indian referral against the stroke award winning the day.
Except last quarter, India did not show any urgency the situation demanded.
“Dream come true. The second lowest ranked team is now among the fourth”, said Grahm Shaw, the Irish coach after the match even as .
India created a golden chance to go up in the 40th minute which Udita messed up and then Rani Rampal could not produce any innovation in her penalty corner attempt. Her straight off the only penalty corner that India got after clever use of Referral, went abegging. Goalie fell to her right to take the flight on her body.
First half between India and Ireland was one of cautious approach, each probing the other. The stats on shots at goal, possession, and other parameters almost even for either side.
Rani Rampal created India’s only chance in the wee moments of second quarter, but her flick from the right side of the net could hit only outside netting.
Otherwise it was Ireland seemed better, with good interception and aggression, but it was the Indian defence that stood to the task. Savita Punia came out timely and fell flat to deny a Irish forward a shot at goal out of what seemed a real goal situation.
India struggled in the most part of third quarter. Mid way thorugh Rani sprinted past to serve Udit on the top edge of D, only to see her fumble. Otherwise its Ireland which pressed hard, Indians uncharacteristically allowing Irish girls to snatch ball often in the own 25-yard area.
The dying moments of this quarter saw India accelerating the phase and making thrusts into the circle, but the forwards were seen stranded away from ball.
India over all played to its strength the defensive hockey, but in the end Veteran Savita proved no match for exuberant MCFerran