India beat New Zealand 3-1 in Ranchi in their second game of the FIH Women's Olympic Qualifiers, to keep their hopes of qualifying for the Paris Olympics intact after Saturday's disappointing 1-0 loss to the USA.
India took the lead in the first minute of the game through Sangita Kumari, after fantastic play from Salima Tete down the right wing. It was just the start that India needed, but they were pegged back almost immediately, as Megan Hull's slap hit from a penalty corner went past Savita Punia and Monika, who was guarding the post.
However, instead of letting that equalizer bog them down, India responded with positive attacking play, and forced a succession of penalty corners, the third of which was converted with a powerful hit from Udita Duhan, whose inclusion from the start on the left side of India's defence was also a massive factor in this much improved performance.
The third goal will be the subject of debate between Neha Goyal and Sangita on whose it was, but it was officially awarded to Neha, who was the closest Indian player in attendance after Sangita's ball across goal from the byline looked to have been turned in via the stick of a New Zealand defender.
Earlier, the USA beat Italy 2-0 to make it to the top of Group B with 6 points. India and New Zealand both have 3 points from 2 games with a goal difference of +1, while the USA's goal difference stands at +2. However, with the USA and New Zealand facing off in the last group game, India now know that any win against Italy will be enough to take them through to the semifinals of this tournament.
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