Kuala Lumpur [Malaysia]: Lalremsiami struck a late goal to steer Indian women’s hockey team to a 1-0 win over host Malaysia in the on-going five-match bi-lateral series on Wednesday.
With the win, India have registered an unassailable lead, having won the first two matched 3-0 and 5-0, and drawn the third 4-4.
In the fourth match, Lalremsiami’s sensational 55th-minute goal ensured the team secured a narrow win in a well-fought contest that saw Malaysia give its all to put up a defensive game.
Though it was Malaysia which made a strong start with an early penalty corner in the first minute of the game, a very alert goalkeeper Savita made a good save.
India too earned a penalty corner in the following minute but could not succeed.
With India’s ace drag-flicker Gurjit Kaur missing the tour due to an injury, the team struggled to convert penalty corners and lost out on five opportunities.
However, the team did well to sustain pressure with tight marking inside the circle giving Malaysia no real chance to take a shot on goal.
India looked for a potential opportunity as minutes ticked raced away in the final quarter. It was Navneet Kaur who set up a splendid goal for Lalremsiami to take India home.
“We played very good third and fourth quarter where we created good scoring opportunities. This is something we want to execute much better tomorrow and especially improve our on-field decision making,” said Sjoerd Marijne, India chief coach.
Speaking about leading 3-0 in the series, Marijne said, “Winning is fine but what is more important for me if that we play good, structured hockey.”
“If we tick the right boxes, winning will eventually happen and I would like to see us end the last match tomorrow on the same lines as we played the third and fourth quarters today– fewer mistakes and good energy.”
India will take on Malaysia in the fifth match on April 11.
[source_without_link]ANI[/source_without_link]