India beat Chile, keep semifinal hopes alive at Jr World Cup

Boston, Aug 10 (PTI) Poonam Rani scored twice as India

came from behind to notch a 3-1 win over Chile in their second
medal-round match and keep their semifinal hopes alive at the
Women's Junior Hockey World Cup here.

Apart from Poonam, who scored in the 28th and 62nd
minute, Roselin Dung Dung (68th min) was the other goal-scorer
for India.

Andrea Greene (15th minute) managed the lone goal for the
Chileans.

With this win, India now have six points but are behind
England, Australia and Korea in the six-team Pool E.

The Indians had gone down to England by a solitary goal
in their pool opener.

In Sunday's match, Chile took the initial edge but the
persistent Indians won the game with a strong comeback in the
second half.

The Chileans earned several penalty corners in the first
half but apart from Andrea's strike, Indian goalkeeper Jasdeep
Kaur did well to save all.

However, within seven minutes of that goal, a diving
Poonam deflected Joydeep Kaur's pass past Chile's goalkeeper
Beatriz Wirth to draw India level.

Chile had a few breakaways in the second half but India's
defence kept them out of the circle.

India broke into the lead in the 62nd minute when Poonam
combined with Ritu Rani to outwit Paula Liu and Manuela Urroz
to nail an angular strike past the rival goalkeeper.

India's third goal came six minutes later when Roselin
found the target after captain Ranjita Devi Thokchom's long
pass.

Both teams earned four penalty corners each in the second
half but none could be converted.
India will play their last game in this round against
defending champions Korea Tuesday. PTI