Late goal by Sweden U-23 breaks India’s women’s team resilience
The Indian senior women’s national team suffered a 0-1 loss at the hands of the host nation Sweden after letting in through a goalkeeper error in the 98th minute and ended up on the losing side on Wednesday.
This was India’s first international since playing Egypt (1-0) and Jordan (0-1) in the first half of April. When Suren Chhetri’s side tried to find its trace, Sweden dominated the process from the beginning. Blue Tigresses were more than happy to sit back and defend their goal in the early substitutions.
However, Manisha Kalyan made a spectacular save. Martina Thokchom made a great block, though. The young forward drove into the opponent’s field, but her shot from a sharp angle was stopped by goalkeeper Emma Holmgren.
But Sweden continued to dominate when goalkeeper Aditi Chauhan was forced into a couple of regulation saves. Hannah Lundkvist made a superb strike after 30 minutes with a shot straight in front of the goal after a long ball through the middle, but one of the visitors’ defenders got a foot in at the last second and warded it off for a corner.
Minutes later, Dangmei Grace got involved in India’s attacking play as she made a powerful run from the left wing before passing the ball to Manisha. But before the 20-year-old had time to press the trigger, the Swedish defenders cleared the ball.
Anju Tamang had one last tame effort before the referee blew off for the half-time break.
Aditi Chauhan’s mistake late in the second half lowers Indian hearts
After a break, the Swedes came out roaring when they snapped back the guests. Aditi Chauhan made a brilliant save 50 minutes into the match, blocking a rocket of a shot from Alva Selerud on the right hand side. Junior Priyangka Devi, who started in the attacking position for Blue Tigresses, and Renu were replaced by Pyari Xaxa and Ratanbala Devi.
Chhetri’s side had apparently lost their stick in the attacking department as the minutes went by. Sweden continues to put pressure on guests. Nellie Lilja’s long shot really ought to have found the net 70 minutes into the match, but it fell just wide of the target. The hosts continued to pull together chances but failed to turn them around.
Five extra minutes were added after regular time. The game, however, rolled past into the 98th minute, when the Swedes won a corner. Aditi, who had been the player of the match until then, failed to grab the ball and it rolled over the goal line in the middle of a sea of bodies. A goalkeeper Christmas had lowered the Indians at the end of the match.
But with a quick turnaround, the Blue Tigresses will have an opportunity to bounce back in their next match against the US U23 team on June 25.
Indian U-17 women’s team hammered 7-0 by Italy’s U-17 side
At the same time, the Indian U-17 women’s team, which will represent the country in the upcoming World Cup, suffered a 7-0 loss to Italy in their first match in the 6th Torneo women’s soccer tournament.
The Young Tigresses looked toothless against the host nation for most of the match. The Italians opened the scoring in the 11th minute through Maria Rossi and continued to lose on India’s misery for the rest of the match. Anna Longobardi and Giulla Dragoni added two more before the half-time signal.
Even after the break, Italy were ruthless and continued to extend their lead over Thomas Dennerby’s team.
The U-17 team will face the Netherlands on June 26.