The Indian women's hockey team defeated the Irish women's hockey team in a tight semi-final shootout in Valencia, Spain, to advance to the final of the Women's FIH Nations Cup 2022.Udita's goal in the 44th minute brought India even with Ireland after Carroll Naomi's goal in the 14th minute gave Ireland the lead. The match ended 1-1, and after the final whistle, the shootout was decided by India's 2-1 victory, which means they will face Spain in the championship match on Saturday.The victory ensures that India will not be eliminated from consideration for promotion to the FIH Pro League for the 2023-24 season.
According to the official website of the Olympics, the first-ever winner of the Women's FIH Nations Cup will earn a spot in the Pro League the season after their victory. India, who entered the match with a head-to-head record of 4-3 against Ireland, got off to a fast start and dominated possession throughout the most of the game.The squad was unable to get a crucial touch inside the opponent's third, which prevented them from posing a threat to the opposing goal. Ireland worked their way back into the game during the course of it and finally capitalized on their efforts in the last seconds of the fourth quarter.
Carroll Naomi scored the only goal of the game for Ireland with a rapid breakaway and a well-placed shot that beat the goalie for India, Savita Punia.In the second quarter, India, which is currently ranked eighth in the world, was looking for an immediate response, and Indian vice-captain Deep Grace Ekka came very near to tying things up. Her low shot from a penalty corner was deflected, leaving the Irish goalie helpless, but it still managed to get through after rattled the post.
India was awarded another penalty corner with just a minute left in the second quarter, but this time the Irish defense was able to effectively defend against it. After the succeeding counter, it appeared that Naomi had once again defeated Savita, but the celebrations were cut short when the goal was written out due to a back-stick foul after a review by the Indian side. At the break, the Irish had a 1-0 lead.In the third period, the Indian team came out swinging in an attempt to catch up and even the score. On the other side, the Indian team was unable to advance because of Murphy's outstanding performance in goalkeeping.
The Dubliner had a number of saves that were absolutely spectacular, including multiple penalty corners. Udita was the one who eventually overcame the valiant fight put up by Murphy. She beat the Irish goalie with a well placed penalty kick in the bottom corner, which Murphy had previously prevented her from scoring on many occasions.The third quarter of the game proceeded in a manner quite similar to the second, with India ratcheting up the pressure in their pursuit of a victory and Murphy continuing to hold firm. The last horn blew, signaling the beginning of the shootout portion of the competition.
In the shootout, Murphy and Savita both had outstanding performances as goalkeepers, but India was able to come out on top, winning the shootout by a score of 2-1. After Spain's victory against Japan in the other semi-final, India will face Spain in the championship match.
