India Defeat Ireland in FIH Junior Women’s Hockey WC Clash

By Harshit - Dec 06, 2025 06:29 PM
Last updated on Dec 06, 2025 06:29 PM

India’s commanding 4-0 win over Ireland in the final Pool C clash brought a wave of confidence and energy to their FIH Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup campaign. The match, held at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped in Santiago, showcased India’s sharp attacking intent, clinical finishing, and disciplined structure across all four quarters. With each passing minute, the team grew stronger, turning possession into pressure and pressure into goals through well-coordinated moves.

The encounter was marked by moments of brilliant individual skill, combined with well-timed team plays that defined India’s approach. From early penalty corners to the decisive goals in the dying minutes, India maintained complete control. Purnima’s brace, Kanika Siwach’s early opener, and Sakshi Rana’s powerful effort reflected the side’s depth and versatility. This victory not only highlighted India’s attacking flair but also reinforced their defensive solidity, as Ireland struggled to find a breakthrough.

With this win, India wrapped up the pool stage on a high, sending a strong message to their upcoming opponents. The team’s ability to convert chances, maintain tempo, and pressure the opposition throughout the match positions them as a formidable contender moving forward. The confidence exhibited by the players on the field was matched by their composure during key moments, making this match a standout in the tournament so far.

India Takes Early Control Through Strong Attacking Play

India began the match with remarkable urgency, winning a penalty corner barely 12 seconds after the game started. This early signal of intent seemed to unsettle Ireland, who found themselves defending deep within the first few minutes. Although the early penalty corners were not converted, they served as important markers of India’s territorial dominance and structured attacking rhythm.

In the 12th minute, India finally broke through. Sakshi delivered a perfectly timed pass to Kanika Siwach, who displayed remarkable composure as she moved around the advancing goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the open net. This breakthrough energized the Indian side further, allowing them to push high, maintain pressure, and prevent Ireland from building any substantial momentum. The coordination between the midfield and forward line consistently allowed India to stretch the field and create openings from both flanks.

Ireland’s goalkeeper Lucy McGoldrick made two exceptional saves in the 17th and 23rd minutes to deny India from penalty corners. Even though these chances were not converted, India’s sustained pressure reflected their structured approach, intelligent passing, and patience in the final third. The opening quarter ended with India clearly controlling both possession and intent.

Mid-Match Momentum: India Controls Tempo and Execution

As the game progressed into the second and third quarters, India continued to dominate both territory and pace. The team showcased exceptional ball control, moving the play with precision to stretch Ireland’s defensive setup. Their ability to recycle possession and push the ball into dangerous areas set the tone for an aggressive yet composed phase of play.

In the 42nd minute, India earned another well-worked penalty corner. Sakshi Shukla fired a sharp pass to Purnima Yadav, who deflected the ball masterfully into the net, doubling the lead. This moment demonstrated India’s tactical adaptability, as they shifted swiftly from structured build-up play to lethal short-corner execution. Purnima’s finishing showcased her knack for positioning, awareness, and timing.

Ireland attempted to regroup and counter in short bursts, but India remained resolute. The midfield line ensured swift recovery during transitions, cutting off passing lanes and denying Ireland any significant penetration into the circle. The consistent pressing left Ireland struggling to maintain possession, while India dictated the match’s rhythm with high confidence.

Final Quarter Dominance: India Seals the Match in Style

The final quarter brought even more intensity as Ireland tried to push forward in search of a goal. In one of their rare openings, Eabha Curran fired a promising shot toward the bottom right corner of the Indian goal. However, Nandini’s perfectly timed defensive block prevented what could have been a crucial moment for Ireland. This defensive stand epitomized India’s discipline throughout the match.

India then elevated their game further in the closing minutes. In the 57th minute, Sakshi displayed extraordinary footwork and control on the left flank, gliding past defenders before sending a powerful strike past the goalkeeper. Just a minute later, Purnima delivered another moment of brilliance, scoring her second goal with a composed deflection over the keeper, sealing India’s dominant 4-0 victory.

The final flurry of goals not only showcased India’s offensive firepower but also their hunger to maximize every opportunity. Their tactical sharpness, combined with individual brilliance, made this performance one of their most complete displays in the tournament. With such momentum, India carries strong confidence into the knockout stage.

Also Read: Irfan Pathan Hints at T20 World Cup Setback for Rinku Singh

« Previous Irfan Pathan Hints at T20 World Cup Setback for Rinku Singh

Next » Anahat Singh Beats Joshna Chinappa to Win Chennai Title