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Hockey Olympic Qualifiers: Set Back For Hosts As India Stunned By USA On Opening Night
In a high-intensity clash, Abigail Tamer scored the all-important goal for the United States after a goalless first quarter as the hosts dominated possession, had 9 shots on target as compared to five by the US, made 13 circle entries to five by their opponents and bagged six penalty corners to three by the Americans. But in the end, all that proved futile as the hosts were thwarted by strong defending by the tall and sturdy American players.
This defeat could prove a disaster for India, who are hoping to make it to their third successive Olympic Games. It has opened up Pool B as New Zealand had started the event with a 3-0 win over Italy. Winning their opening matches, New Zealand and the USA look favourites to go through to the semis unless the Indians cause an upset win against the Black Sticks, whom they have never defeated in regulation time on Sunday.
