Goalkeeper Nidhi made multiple brilliant saves as India beat Uruguay 3-1 in a shootout after an intense 1-1 draw, keeping their hopes alive for a ninth-place finish in the Junior Women’s World Cup.
Manisha (19′) scored for India, while Justina Arregui (60′) equalised for Uruguay on Tuesday in the 9/12 qualification match.
In the first quarter, India controlled the game, creating multiple chances early on. However, Uruguay won the first penalty corner in the fifth minute but squandered the chance.
India earned a penalty corner in the 18th minute and played an interesting variation by passing the ball to Sakshi Rana at the near post. But her shot was blocked by the rival goalkeeper.
Moments later, India broke the deadlock with Manisha (19′) striking
the ball from a distance to take the lead.
The game opened up in the final quarter, with Uruguay playing more freely. With two minutes left on the clock, Uruguay switched their goalkeeper for an outfield player to push ahead in numbers, and it paid off.
With two seconds left on the clock, Uruguay won a penalty stroke. Justina Arregui converted it to take the game into a shootout.
India emerged victorious in the shootout as Purnima Yadav, Ishika, and Kanika Siwach scored, while goalkeeper Nidhi denied Uruguay three times to ensure her team progresses in the tournament.
India will next play Spain on Thursday in the 9th/10th place game.
(With PTI Inputs)
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