Monchengladbach (Germany), JUly 31: Vandana Kataria slammed a hat-trick as Indian eves thrashed minnows Russia 10-1 to enter the quarter-finals of the Women's Junior Hockey World Cup here on Tuesday.

After the 1-6 drubbing at the hands of Australia and 2-0 victory over New Zealand, the Indian girls needed to win by a big margin against Russia and hope for either an Australian victory over New Zealand or a draw in the final Pool C match to make it to the knock-out stage.

Australia managed to hold New Zealand to a 3-3 draw and topped Pool C with seven points from three games, while India finished second with six points.

India will now face the Pool D champions in the quarterfinals on Thursday, while Australia will be up against the second-placed team from Pool D.

India scored five goals in each half through Vandana (7th minute, 15th, 31st), Poonam Rani (22nd, 27th), Rani (39th, 49th), Ritusha Kumani Arya (44th), Manjit Kaur (69th) and an own goal in the 66th minute.

Anastasia Miroshikova scored the only goal for Russia in the 36th minute.

PTI