FIH Women’s WC Qualifiers: India Beat Italy, Set Up Final Against England

India secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Italy in the semifinal of the FIH Women’s World Cup Qualifiers on Friday, thanks to a decisive third-quarter penalty-corner strike by Manisha Chauhan . The win sets up a much-anticipated final against England .

Already qualified for the World Cup , jointly hosted by the Netherlands and Belgium from August 15 to 30 , India started the match assertively with strong circle entries . Italy, however, responded with aggressive attacks and created several promising chances. Both teams battled fiercely in the opening quarter, keeping the scoreline goalless.

India gained momentum in the second quarter, exploiting sharp flank runs and maintaining numerical pressure in the attacking circle. In the 18th minute , India earned their first penalty corner , but Navneet Kaur ’s attempt was brilliantly saved by Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso . A second chance in the 27th minute saw India play an interesting variation, with captain Salima Tete taking a shot that was blocked on the line. Navneet’s 29th-minute effort also went wide, keeping the match evenly poised.

Early in the second half, Italy launched a threatening attack as Emilia Munitis broke through on goal, only to be denied by a crucial save from goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam . In the 40th minute , India were awarded another penalty corner , and Manisha delivered a powerful dragflick down the middle that pierced the Italian defence to score the match-winning goal.

In the final quarter, India earned two more penalty corners but could not extend their lead, while Italy pressed hard and won a crucial 59th-minute penalty corner , which India successfully defended to maintain their lead.

Earlier, England defeated Scotland 2-0 in the other semifinal at GMC Balayogi Hockey Ground , with goals from Lottie Bingham (25’) and Darcy Bourne (29’) , setting up the final showdown with India.

With this win, India not only confirmed their spot in the final but also showcased their resilience, tactical discipline, and strong defending under pressure, promising an exciting clash against England in the title match.