With minnows Ukraine upsetting Canada 5-2 and Italy holding South Africa 1-1 draw earlier in the day, the Indian women's team found itself in a tricky position, going up against the bottom-ranked Poland in its Olympic qualifier on Tuesday. With South Africa (on seven points) and Italy (on five) in the top two positions after three matches, India needed nothing short of a win to breathe easy.
The host, however, came up trumps in emphatic fashion — a 3-0 win taking its tally to seven from three outings to leapfrog South Africa to the top of the table on better goal difference (six against South Africa's three).
Ritu Rani, Rani Rampal and Poonam Rani scored a goal apiece to seal India's victory.
Impressive start
Poland got off to an impressive start by keeping possession of the ball and putting pressure on the home defenders.
India responded well and crafted some fine moves, featuring good coordination among the forwards and midfielders.
The host, however, missed the services of the livewire Anuradha Devi, who could not take the field because of a muscle tear. Deepika Thakur, Anuradha's replacement on the left wing, hit wide of the post off a move created by Asunta Lakra in the fifth minute. Soon after, Y. Soundarya failed to connect a long ball in front of the Polish goal.
A well-designed attack helped India open its account. Poonam Rani passed the ball on to Ritu and the latter made no mistake in beating Polish custodian Dominika Nowicka in the 14th minute.
India's umpteen advances into the circle failed in execution as the home side went into the break leading 1-0.
Early in the second half, Rani Rampal brought cheers to the home camp.
Exemplary stick-work
Exhibiting exemplary stick-work, she beat two defenders on the right as well as Nowicka to extend the lead.
India won two penalty corners and Poland had four. But, the European team did not have the expertise to beat Yogita Bali under the bar.
Deepika put up a spirited performance in the closing stages; it was her fast and precise cross from left that set up the third goal.
Poonam trapped it perfectly and shot home in the 62nd minute to seal the fate of the match.
Poland fought valiantly and tried, but in vain, to gain some pride and snatched another short corner at the stroke of the hooter.
The Indian defence, nevertheless, held its nerve to come off with a clean victory.
The results: Ukraine 5 (Maryna Khilko 12, 28, 43, Tetyana Salenko 38, Bohdana Sadova 40) bt Canada 2 (Kate Gillis 2, Maddie Secco 48).
Italy 1 (Alessia Padalino 4) drew with South Africa 1 (Lauren Penny 40).
India 3 (Ritu Rani 14, Rani Rampal 36, Poonam Rani 62) bt Poland 0.
