"VAN" (Sports Desk - 12.03.2026) :: Hosts India stepped closer to World Cup qualification by securing a place in the semi-finals of the women’s FIH Hockey World Cup 2026 Qualifiers being held at the GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground in Hyderabad.
The concluding day of the pool stage saw some intense encounters, with Italy pushing Korea out of the tournament with a hard-fought draw, while England remained undefeated with their third straight win, beating Austria to top Pool A.
Scotland went past Uruguay to secure the second spot in Pool B that was topped by India, who defeated Wales.
England 2 – 0 Austria
Having already qualified for the semi-finals, England continued their impressive run with a disciplined 2–0 victory over Austria to finish on top of Pool A.
It took 20 minutes for the match to witness its first goal, when England’s in-form Grace Balsdon struck from a penalty corner, sending the ball past Austrian goalkeeper Elena Lendl. In all, England created nine penalty corners to Austria’s two.
The English and Austrian defensive lines then stood tall, blocking the opposition strikers’ attempts to score. England added the cushion they were looking for in the 48th minute from the stick of Holly Hunt, seeing off the last 12 minutes to seal their third straight win, while Austria’s tournament ended with three consecutive defeats.
‘Player of the Match’ Sophie Hamilton expressed her happiness with the win, while admitting that they need to be better in converting their chances. “We knew today’s (game) was going to be a frustrating one, trying to break down a low block. But in the end, the pressure told (on Austria) and we are happy with a 2-0 win,” she said.
Italy 1 – 1 Korea
Italy and Korea had all to play for in a virtual quarter-final to conclude the Pool A fixtures, with the Italians having the last laugh in a 1-1 draw to go through to the semis on better goal difference. Both the teams scored off penalty strokes and ended up with four points from three matches.
The two teams produced disciplined defensive performances. The two yellow cards shown in the dying minutes – to Italy’s Delfina Granatto and Maria Lunghi – showed desperation to hold onto a draw that helped the European team advance to the last-four stage.
Italy struck as early as the 7th minute, when Federica Carta sounded the board from the spot after they were awarded a penalty stroke, while Korea’s Jiyun Choi made no mistake in beating Italy goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso in the 26thminute.
The Koreans needed a win, while a draw was all Italy needed, which they eventually secured – thanks to their defence that warded off all Korean attacks.
Italy ended with a goal difference of 0, while Korea’s stood at -2.
Reacting to Italy bagging the semi-final spot, their captain Sara Puglisi said, “We definitely are over the moon and we are happy with the end of the group phase result. It was our first objective in the tournament and we achieved it. We know the importance of the next matches. We will focus on our opponent and use every minute to be fully prepared for the semi-final.”
Uruguay 1 – 3 Scotland
Uruguay’s chances of reaching the semis depended on a win over Scotland in their Pool B fixture, and their desperation showed up in four cards (2 green and 2 yellow) their players were shown, which further dented their chances. The Scots were clinical in comparison and ended up winning 3-1 to inch closer to World Cup qualification by entering the semi-finals.
Scotland opened scoring in the 10th minute when Fiona Burnet put her team ahead 1-0, but nine minutes later, Teresa Viana responded in similar fashion to put Uruguay level at 1-1 from a penalty corner.
It remained 1-1 at half-time.
The second half belonged to Scotland’s Katherine Holdgate, who struck two field goals in the final quarter (43rd & 58thminutes) to end Uruguay’s hopes for a place in the semis. They finished third in Pool B to bow out.
The result was special for Jennifer Eadie, coming in her 100th appearance for Scotland.
Scotland captain Sarah Robertson said: “So proud of the efforts the team has shown so far, but the job is not done yet and we have more to give. The key to success so far has been every member of our team doing their role and fighting together.”
India 4 – 1 Wales
Forward Navneet Kaur was India’s standout performer, striking a brilliant hat-trick, while Sakshi Rana also found the net as India sealed the top spot in the group standings with an impressive 4-1 win over Wales, who ended the tournament winless.
India made a bright start and took the lead in the 7th minute when Sakshi Rana fired home a powerful reverse hit after a well-worked move initiated by Salima Tete. The hosts maintained attacking momentum and doubled the advantage in the 29th minute through Navneet Kaur, who converted from a penalty corner.
Navneet struck again in the 34th minute from another penalty corner to make it 3–0 before Wales reduced the margin through Betsan Thomas in the 39th minute. However, Navneet completed her hat-trick from a penalty stroke that India were awarded in the 55th minute to wrap up a comfortable win.
Both India and Scotland ended up with seven points in Pool B, but India pipped them for top spot on better goal difference.
"We are happy, we have almost qualified for the World Cup. But there is still room for improvement and we could have scored more goals," said the star of the match, Navneet, after the match.
Responses
Leave your comment