The Hindu : Sport : India denied victory

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Oct 03, 2006
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India denied victory

Madrid: India was denied victory after its first goal was controversially disallowed and had to share points with England in a Pool `A' match of the women's hockey World Cup here on Sunday.

On Monday, Australia missed a great opportunity to seal the top spot in Pool B, held to a goalless draw by Japan.

Australia has 10 points from four matches and should qualify for the semifinals.

On Sunday, Asunta Lakra scored with a powerful drive in the nick of half-time to put India ahead 1-0 but the Indians were shocked to see the scoreboard read 0-0 when they came out to resume play in the second period.

The Indian women went on to hold England 1-1 and earn their first point in the 12-nation tournament.

Schloe Rogers gave England its first goal, tapping in a sloppy clearance by the Indian goalie in the 47th minute. But India levelled the score 11 minutes later when Surinder Kaur converted a penalty stroke awarded after an England defender's boot deflected a shot at the goal.

The pass that fed Lakra in the 35th minute was adjudged to have come from a high-held stick, hence the cancellation of the goal.

But what angered the Indian camp was that the goal was allowed by the on-field umpire but the decision was quietly reversed during the break. As if to add insult to injury, the tournament officials refused to accept India's protest and call for video evidence.

There was more drama, with television replays being called into play to decide on an England goal with two minutes to go for the buzzer.

India appealed against an England goal through a long range shot that was deflected by Kary Williams inside the circle. Video evidence backed the claim and the appeal was upheld.

The results: Australia drew with Japan 0-0; United States bt South Africa 3-1; Argentina bt Korea 2-0.

Sunday's results: Holland bt Spain 2-0; Germany bt China 3-1; England drew with India 1-1. — PTI

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