India goes down to China 2-4 in Volvo Invitational U-21 hockey tournament

BREDA: After drawing level with Germany in their last game, India U-21 women's team went down fighting against China 2-4 in the Volvo Invitational U-21 hockey Tournament here.

The match began with Indian women possessing the ball and making swift attacks at the goalpost with an aim to take early lead in the game yesterday. There effort fructified when in the 9th minute, India's Punam Barla struck a brilliant field goal to give her team a 1-0 lead.9th minute, India's Punam Barla struck a brilliant field goal to give her team a 1-0 lead.

Making constant endeavours into the opponent's inner circle, China's Mang Yuan struck an equaliser in the 16th minute and levelled the scores at 1-1.

With boosted spirit, China continued making efforts and it was Mengling Zhong who struck another field goal in the 20th minute taking the scores at 2-1, which remained till the half time.

The second half of the game began with much strength and poise as China continued to dominate. In the 51st minute, China was awarded with a penalty corner which was efficiently converted by Zixia Ou.

Indian eves bounced back into the game through Anupa Barla who converted an opportunity in the 66th minute taking the scores to 2-3.

The last minute of the game proved to be fruitful for China as Mang Yuan surged ahead and smacked the fourth goal for her team in the 70th minute.

India will meet New Zealand tomorrow. The two teams had last met last year in a six-match series, where both the teams drew three matches, New Zealand won 2 and India won one match.

"We have to look ahead and aim to win our match against New Zealand tomorrow. The team will have to convert the penalty corners which will help them out the pressure on the opponents. Our defence even has to come out strong and ensure that we do not give away easy goals, "Chief Coach Mathias Ahrens said.

The Volvo Invitational U-21 Tournament 2015 is being played at Breda, The Netherlands from July 18-26.