World League semi-final :Indian Women’s Hockey team beat Japan 1

In 2012 at the London, Britain had managed to score four goals against India but India retorted with two goals of their own.

Skipper Sardar, seasoned Gurbaj Singh, Dharamvir Singh, Manpreet Singh, Chinglesana Singh will be the midfielders who have to take the responsibility of helping out not only the forwards but also the defenders.

Cosyns netted the second goal in the eighth minute for the hosts.

Chris Griffiths’ goal before the break gave Bobby Crutchley’s side the ascendancy, but it was three second-half goals in seven minutes which put paid to India’s hopes of bronze. He only needed to tap the ball on to an open goal, but Belgium stopper Vincent Vanasch came up with a stellar save. Rani capitalised on the opening by moving to the right to get away from another defender and beat goalkeeper Martina Chirico with a deft shot into the board. “Considering it’s the last game of a really tough tournament, to play with that intensity and control the game like that is very good”.

India muffed a 29th minute penalty corner as the ball could not be stopped and Italy went into halftime leading 1-0.

“It’s been a good week and nice to get 350 caps”, said Middleton, with Great Britain not only qualifying for Rio 2016, but also cementing their place in the World League finals in December.

“Recent contests between India and Belgium have always been close, but today the early soft goals we conceded built enormous pressure”, said Sardar, who could be repeatedly heard urging his teammates to put in some more effort whenever they lost the ball.

Japan won their first penalty corner in the 20th minute but forward Miyuki Kato failed to equalise.

Earlier, Pakistan was defeated by France 2-1 for seventh position.

The Indians fell back to defend the lead and Savita paved the way for the Indian women to play in their first Olympic Games in 36 years. Imran followed the footsteps of the national selection committee, headed by chief selector Islahuddin Siddiqui.

Reigning Asiad champions South Korea have already qualified as continental champions.

“Belgium is a tough team and we have to be completely alert with them tomorrow”, concluded Van Ass. Trailing 0-1, the third quarter saw Japan winning their third penalty corner in the 37th minute.