Olympic dream over for Indian eves

Kazan, Apr 24 (UNI) India's hope for a miracle did not happen as they suffered a humilating 0-4 thrashing at the hands of the US in Women's Olympic Qualifier hockey tournament here today and with that their dream of qualifying for the Beijing Games went up in smoke.

This was India's third successive defeat and they now have only three points from four matches and will play France in their last league assignment.

For the US, who led 1-0 at half time, the goal scorers were Tiffany Snow (29th), Kelly Doton (38th), Angie Loy (45th), Carrie Lingo (48th).

In a one-sided affair, the 11th ranked US dominated the proceedings throughout and Indians were lucky to have escaped with a ''lighter'' punishment.

This was US' fourth win in a row and they are now a very strong contender to win the title.

Already under pressure to perform, India's chances of making a comeback in the second half were dashed as the US scored three times in 10 minutes.

In the 29th minute, Kelly Doton smartly pushed across a pass in to the goal to make it 2-0 in the US' favour and six minutes later Loy increased the margin as she tipped the ball in to the target.

Lingo further increased the margin by another goal in the 48th minute and the Indians had no answer to their rivals' assault.

After the Indian men's team failed to qualify for the Olympics, the women team's loss would come as a double blow for Indian hockey fans.

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