Hockey Women's WC: India brush aside Italy, set up Last 8 clash with Ireland

New Delhi: India eased past lower-ranked Italy 3-0 in the cross-over match to progress to the quarterfinals of the Hockey Women’s World Cup in London on Wednesday.

India scored through a field strike from Lalremsiami (20th minute) and two penalty corners from Neha Goyal (45th) and Vandana Katariya (55th).

The difference between the 10th ranked Indians and the 17th ranked Italy evident from their ball control skills and the ability to finish attacking moves.

India won the first penalty corner and although it was charged down by Ivanna Pessina, the subsequent ball in from India proved too clever for the Italians  to deal with.

Lalremsiami was on hand to lift the ball past Italian goalie Martina Chirico in the Italian goal after Vandana quickly switched the ball across the circle.

India went to close to scoring their second at the start of the second quarter as Lalremsiami was found space but was unable to control the ball well enough to beat the rapidly advancing Chircio.

The second half saw Italy play more aggressively. Lara Oviedo was instrumental in creating chances, although when they managed to get the ball to their striker Valentina Braconi, it was dealt with by the impressive Lilima Minz in India’s defence.

India went close to scoring again when a quick counter attack saw the ball skim past Chirico’s goal following Deepika’s shot. Still India piled on the pressure and good work by Monika down the

India received a penalty corner in the final minute of the third quarter, which was converted by Neha after a goal mouth scramble to double India’s lead.

India had a bright chance to make it 3-0 as Navjot Kaur was left with just Chirico to beat but failed to beat the Italian keeper. The game was finally put beyond Italy’s reach when Vandana was rewarded with a goal in the 55th minute. The result means India will now face Ireland in the quarterfinal on Thursday. India were beaten 0-1 by Ireland in the pool stages.

In the second crossover match of the day, hosts England beat Korea  2-0 to set up a quarterfinal date with the Netherlands.