Indian girls beat China 4-2, enter U-18 Asia Cup semis

NEW DELHI: India outplayed China 4-2 to register their third win on the trot and advance to the semifinals of the Girls U-18 Asia Cup hockey tournament in Bangkok on Tuesday.

India, who led 2-0 at half time, scored through Navjot Kaur (11th minute), Lilima Minz (34th), Poonam Rani (49th) and Anupa Barla (66th).

The goalscorers for China were Song Xia Oming (60th) and Liang Xue (63rd).

With the victory, India are on top of the Pool B with nine points from three successive wins.

India had earlier routed Kazakhstan 12-0 and Sri Lanka 13-0 and they take on Malaysia in their last pool match on Thursday before playing the semifinals on Friday.

India dominated over China throughout the match and began with a flourish with accurate passes and interceptions.

The Indian forwards led by skipper Poonam Rani and supported by diminutive Neha Goyal and Anupa Barla kept the Chinese defenders busy with raids inside the striking circle at regular intervals.

The Indian deep defenders Jaspreet Kaur and Sandeep Kaur were rock-solid as did goalkeeper Bigen Soy who blocked some Chinese forays in the second half.

India earned five penalty corners as against seven by China.

After India had established a 3-0 lead by the 49th minute, they slowed down a bit and that allowed China to fire in two goals.

However, Anupa Barla scored another goal to seal the match for India.