Tokyo Olympics: India create history, beat Australia 1-0 to reach semifinals in women’s hockey

India stunned Australia 1-0 to reach the semifinals in women’s hockey of the Tokyo Olympics at the Oi Hockey Stadium North Pitch on Monday. This will be India women’s hockey team’s first semifinal appearance in the Olympics. They had finished fourth in the 1980 Moscow Olympics but the format was different, as there were no knockout games.

India will face Argentina in the semifinals, who defeated Germany 3-0 in the first semifinal. A spot in the semifinals also means that India are guaranteed a medal match for the first-time in Olympics.

India, who qualified for the knockout stages after finishing fourth in Pool A, started on a positive note against Pool B toppers Australia and kept the pressure on them throughout all quarters.

India were clearly the dominant side with a 59% ball possession in the first quarter but the big moment came in the second quarter when dragflicker Gurjit Kaur converted India’s first penalty corner in the 22nd minute to put her side ahead.

India had five shots on goal compared to 14 of the World No.2 side but India’s defence was superb just like their midfield. They did not let Australia score despite conceding seven penalty corners in the match.

India goalkeeper Savita Punia brought her A-game to the field and managed to save all 9 shots directed at her.

(more to follow…)