India finished fifth for a second time running, defeating Scotland 2-1 in the women’s hockey classification match here on Friday.
All the goals came in the second half. The match began with Scotland dominating possession, but turned dull with both teams unable to create goal-scoring opportunities.
The start of the second half saw India more on the move, but Jaspreet Kaur was denied by Scottish custodian Amy Gibson who pulled off a stunning stick save off a penalty corner.
Moments later Kaur and Gibson came face to face again, but the Scottish goalkeeper was able to palm away the Indian’s effort.
A simple close-range strike by Anupa Barla finally helped India go 1-0 up in the 53rd-minute. But Scotland hit back straightaway when Nikki Kidd stepped up with a drag-flick beyond goalkeeper Savita Kumari’s reach.
In the 57th minute Poonam Rani hit the roof of the net for the match-winner.
India coach Neil Hawgood later admitted that it was a game of two halves.
India breezed past South Africa 5-2 and qualified for the men’s semifinals on Thursday. India will now take on New Zealand in the last four while Australia will meet England.
V.R. Raghunath and Rupinderpal Singh were on target in the fourth and eighth minutes. Ramandeep Singh made it 3-0 in the 22nd and S.V. Sunil’s goal in the 26th made it 4-0. Manpreet Singh rounded off the tally in the 58th minute.
Taine Patton deflected one in the 42nd minute while Austin Smith was on target in the 46th for South Africa.
