Purnima Yadav stars as India beat Ireland 4-0 in Junior Women’s World Cup

India defeated Ireland 4-0 in their final Pool C match at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup in Santiago. Purnima Yadav scored twice, while Kanika Siwach and Sakshi Rana added goals as India dominated throughout the contest

Santiago: Purnima Yadav hit a brace to lead India to a dominant 4-0 victory over Ireland in their final Pool C match at the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup here on Friday.

Purnima (42’, 58’), Kanika Siwach (12’) and Sakshi Rana (57’) scored the goals for India at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional in Santiago.

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India made a bright start in the first quarter and showed great attacking intent, winning an early penalty corner in the first 12 seconds of the match. However, the attempt didn’t reach the goal post.

India continued to pile on the pressure, winning their second penalty corner in the 10th minute, but the chance was squandered again.

Two minutes later, Sakshi played the perfect pass to Kanika inside the circle, who skillfully went around the charging Irish goalkeeper and slotted the ball into an open net to break the deadlock.

India built on their dominant form, winning two consecutive penalty corners in the 17th and 23rd minutes, but Ireland’s goalkeeper Lucy McGoldrick made two strong saves to protect her goal.

Ireland’s first attempt on goal came in the 24th minute, but it was met by a save from the Indian goalkeeper.

Towards the end of the second quarter, India won their fifth penalty corner in the 28th minute but couldn’t capitalise, ending the first half with a one-goal lead.

The third quarter saw India hold the ball more and stretch the Irish defence as they continued to control the tempo of the game.