In the aftermath of their spectacular performance against Korea merely two nights prior, India found themselves engaged in an arduous battle, compelled to endure and persevere. Despite the challenges, they ultimately triumphed with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over the same opponents in the semifinals of the Asian Champions Trophy held in Ranchi on Saturday.
Salima Tete, displaying exceptional finesse, struck the first blow for India in the 11th minute, swiftly followed by Vaishnavi Vitthal Phalke, who magnificently netted a goal in the 19th minute. These remarkable feats secured India’s place in the final against Japan, scheduled for the ensuing Sunday.
India’s head coach, Janneke Schopman, had anticipated a distinct semifinal encounter, expressing her hope for an engaging contest. Her expectations were met, as the match unfolded differently yet favorably for the hosts. The pivotal moment arrived early in the opening quarter, reminiscent of a well-scripted scene from Indian cinema. The protagonist, India in this case, found themselves besieged, facing unfavorable odds. However, a sudden surge of brilliance ensued, akin to the climax building in a cinematic masterpiece.
India’s opening goal exemplified this analogy perfectly. Initially trapped in their defensive stance, Udita managed to reclaim possession. Nikki Pradhan, skillfully navigating a tight space, embarked on a remarkable journey down the left flank, executing a 360-degree turn with finesse. Central figure Salima Tete, pivotal as always in this tournament, received a precise pass from Nikki. With swift precision, Salima advanced, orchestrating an exquisite play.
The crowd’s anticipation escalated with each passing moment, captivated by the unfolding spectacle. Salima orchestrated a sublime pass down the left channel to Vandana Katariya, the seasoned Indian player displaying exceptional awareness. Vandana, in turn, located Udita to her right, setting the stage for Salima to apply the finishing touch. The crowd erupted in unison, amplifying the atmosphere. Vandana, reflecting on the play, emphasized their strategic execution, emphasizing the team’s ability to swiftly move the ball forward—a tactic meticulously honed under Coach Janneke’s guidance.
However, the remainder of the night proved to be less magical. India managed to extend their lead in the second quarter, courtesy of Vaishnavi, who adeptly lifted the ball home from close range following a penalty corner rebound. Despite this, the subsequent periods posed challenges. While the third quarter had shone brightly in the previous encounter, this time it was marred by inconsistencies. Indiscipline crept in, evidenced by two consecutive yellow cards, leaving India momentarily with a numerical disadvantage of 9 players against 11 Korean outfield counterparts.
Although India’s offensive prowess wavered, the defense stood resilient, with Nisha delivering an outstanding performance and Captain Savita Punia rising to the occasion whenever called upon. Coach Schopman acknowledged the team’s struggle, highlighting the defensive brilliance displayed by Nisha and Savita. She noted the team’s lack of fluency but recognized the necessity to win, even in challenging circumstances. According to Schopman, these victories, although not achieved in a flawless manner, marked the progress of a top-tier team, emphasizing the valuable lessons learned.
In an earlier semifinal clash, Japan and China engaged in a riveting battle, resulting in a 2-1 victory for Japan. China seized the lead during a balanced first half, but Japan remained persistent, nearing victory on multiple occasions. Coach Jude Menezes expressed his belief in a turnaround during halftime, a belief that materialized as Japan unleashed a relentless assault in the third quarter, scoring twice to secure the lead. Despite China’s desperate efforts, including removing their goalkeeper with nearly 10 minutes remaining, Japan held firm, securing a triumphant victory that Coach Menezes regarded as one of the finest achievements during his tenure.
