Women's Hockey World Cup: Late goal Denies India win in Opener

New Delhi: India produced an impressive display before conceding a late goal to play out a 1-1 draw against world number two England in their opening Pool B match of the women’s hockey World Cup in London on Saturday.

Neha Goyal gave India the lead in the 25th minute before Lily Owsley equalised from a penalty corner in the 54th minute. World number 10 India punched above their weight and gave England a run for their money in the keenly-contested duel.

India matched the hosts evenly in the opening two quarters even though the hosts had more scoring chances with five penalty corners coming their way. But the Indian defence was up to the mark with goalkeeper Savita Punia stealing the limelight with some brilliant saves to keep England at bay.

While India looked promising on open play, the home team kept on earning penalty corners.

But it was India who broke the deadlock in the 25th minute through Neha, who was at the right place at the right time to direct the ball into the net. England increased their pressure and restored parity through a penalty corner. Though Savita blocked the initial attempt, Owsley netted from the rebound as Indian defenders failed to clear the ball. India will play Ireland in their next Pool B match on July 26.

In a Pool C match, Germany beat South Africa 3-1.