India lost 1-0 to the USA in their opening Group B match of the FIH Olympic Qualifier in Ranchi. Abigail Tamer scored the only goal of the game in the first quarter, and then the USA defended the lead superbly, as India were toothless in attack and couldn't find the equalizer.
India could've conceded one a little earlier than they actually did, but they were saved by an umpire's referral finding an obstruction which might not have been penalized on another day. But soon after Tamer took a shot that was first saved by Savita, but the American managed to sneak the rebound in between Savita's feet.
In the absence of the injured Vandana Katariya, the Indians really missed that link player in attack, and that showed right from the off, as India never really settled into any good combinations in attack.
The second quarter was the only real time in the game when India looked like they could score, as Navneet Kaur and Sangita Kumari had opportunities to score field goals, and Deepika had a couple of chances from dragflicks, which were saved by the USA goalkeeper Kelsey Bing.
India now face two must-win games in the group, starting with the one against Italy tomorrow. They also then face New Zealand on Tuesday. The aim at the start of the tournament must have been to ensure that they head into that New Zealand game with as little pressure as possible, but now they have piled it on themselves, and they have it all to do.
You can relive the match as it happened, in our live blog below.
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