India draw England 1-1; Holland beat Spain 2-0

Madrid, Oct 1 (UNI) India earned their first point in the tournament as they drew 1-1 against England in a controversy-ridden match that saw an Asunta Lakra goal being disallowed by the umpire in the Women's Hockey World Cup here today.

Chloe Roggers gave England the lead in the 47th minute but India restored parity in the 58th minute when Surinder Kaur converted a penalty stroke.

The moment of controversy, however, came in the dying moments of the first half when Asunta Lakra hit the ball high into the England's net after the ball had been played high on Saba Anjum's deflected attempt.

The goal was first awarded but the umpires, after discussions during the break, disallowed it leaving the Indian camp disppointed.

As soon as the match resumed, England team showed renewed aggression and started pressing for a goal. Two minutes into the second and England earned a penalty corner but Crista Cullen attempt was saved by the goalie.

India counter-attacked and won two penalty corners on the trot but failed to convert them.

England broke the deadlock in the 47th minute when an otherwise impressive Indian goalkeeper Helen Mary Innocent failed to clear a ball only to find Chloe Roggers pouncing upon the opportunity and scooping the ball into the cage.

India pressed hard for the equaliser and gained a penalty corner in 57 minute. Surinder Kaur's attempt hit an England player and penalty stroke was awarded. Surinder made not mistake to convert the stroke and draw levels. 1-1 The draw gave India their first point while England kept their semifinal hopes alive.

Earlier, Holland virtually assured themselves a place in the semifinals when they defeated hosts Spain 2-0 to gain sole possession of the top spot in Pool A.

Effke Mulder redirected a pass into the Spanish goal in the sixth minute to give the Netherlands an early 1-0 lead. The Dutch had three consecutive penalty corner opportunities midway through the half, but were unable to convert and had to settle for the 1-0 halftime advantage.

The Dutch added to their lead early in the second half after a nice combination of passes between Sylvia Karres and Fatima Moriera de Melo led to a tip-in goal by Naomi Van As.

The win keeps Holland atop the Pool A standings with 9 points (3 wins, 0 losses) while Spain remains in the hunt for a semifinal berth with 6 points (2 wins, 1 loss).

After a day off, the Dutch continue Pool A play against China while Spain will look to rebound against India.

UNI XC DH PM2029