After coming from two goals down to level 2-2 against Japan in their first match, the Indian women’s hockey team had no such luck in their game against Great Britain on Monday. Facing the world No 7 side, it was touted to be a difficult encounter. And after four quarters of play, India were demolished 3-0 by the British side. This was their first loss at the Rio games.
Placed in an extremely tough group with Argentina (World No. 2), Australia (3), USA (5), and England (7), India, ranked 13th in the world and the lowest of the teams in the group, had begun their campaign against the Japanese (10), drawing 2-2. They needed to draw against Great Britain if they stood a chance to qualify for the quarter-finals. However, after the 3-0 drubbing, qualification looks difficult for the Indians considering their future opponents. The top four teams from the group qualify for semis.
India were outplayed by the Great Britain unit in all four quarters. The first quarter was a quiet one as both teams traded possession and India did well to keep Britain away from the scoring. However, this lasted only for 15 minutes. Once the second quarter began, it was all Great Britain till the final whistle.