Monchengladbach, Aug 3: Indian challenge ended today in the ERGO Hockey Junior Women World Cup here as they were defeated by defending champions The Netherlands by 3-0 in the first semi-final match.
In the first semi-final Argentina marched into the final at the expense of England whom they blanked by 3-0.
India, who made their maiden entry in the WC Junior final, were not given any liberty by the rough and tough Netherlands players. The match supervised by Irene Presenqui from Argentina and Amber Church from New Zealand. Scheerlince Lisa and Van Wijk Lieke were shown green cards in the 38th and 62nd minutes, respectively.
The Netherlands scored through Van Wijk Lieke (17th, penalty corner), de Lange Lisanne (57th, field goal) and Scheerlinck Lisa (68th, FG).
The first half of the match was mostly confined to midfield as both sides struggled to create promising scoring opportunities from open play. However, the first penalty corner resulted in a goal for The Netherlands. Tournament top scorer Lieke van Wijk’s drag flick found the net beating India’s goalkeeper Chanu Sanarik Ningombam to put her side ahead.
A few minutes later, the Dutch girls forced another penalty corner which went wide. India had a promising scoring opportunity before halftime when they earned their first penalty corner but could not get the shot away. (UNI)