India v Hong-Kong
India (5) v Hong-Kong (5)
India meant business from the first minute of the game. Its players looked focused, determined and very quick to exploit any opportunity. The Indian team displayed a panache and zest which resulted in five goals in the first half and gave spectators a show to remember.
The woman goalie, Shilpa Sukhdevo, was swift, confident and poised. No goal attempt from Hong Kong had her leap or run. She kept her eyes on the ball and judged her timing well.
Hong Kong's true colors emerged in the second part of the match. Gone was the clumsiness, the disjointed attempts to get its acts together. The team made a graceful and amazing come back, regaining ground with five splendid goals, in spite of India's higher skills.
India replaced Shilpa Sukhdevo within the first three minutes of the second half, as Hong Honk looked increasingly poised to outscore its rival. The Indian team kept trying but its class was not matched by Hong Kong stamina and sheer determination.
By the end of the match the two teams had each bagged five goals, facing penalty shoot-outs. India managed three goals, while Hong Kong crowned its determination-fuelled come back with four goals.
Cecilia Valente