A profligate Indian team squandered chances galore to lose 0-1 to lower-ranked United States of America in its opening match of the FIH Women's Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi on Saturday. Ranked sixth in the world, India dominated the possession and created numerous scoring chances, including as many as seven penalty corners, but failed to breach the American defence. USA, ranked 24th in the world rankings, scored the solitary goal of the match through Abigail Tamer in the 16th minute of the Pool B match.
The defeat would make India's road to Paris tougher as it will be up against stronger teams in next matches.
There was hardly anything to separate the two sides in the first quarter which witnessed a keenly-contested battle. Both teams managed a few circle penetration but goals eluded the two sides.
The Indians, however, were guilty of not using both the flanks unlike USA who build their attacks from both corners.
India's woes from penalty corners remained unchanged as they wasted as many as six set pieces. The Americans sounded the board in the 11th minute through skipper Amanda Golini but the goal was disallowed for obstruction, much to the relief of the packed stadium.
Minutes from the first quarter, the Indians got a great chance to take the lead when Udita combined well with Neha to create the opportunity but the former's effort was saved by American goalie Kelsey Bing.
The Indians, however, got a rude shock just after restart as USA took the lead a minute into the second quarter through Tamer, who was also assisted by some poor defending by the home team inside their D.
India's persistent pressure resulted in three penalty corners in quick succession but the Americans defended stoutly.
Minutes from half-time, India
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