0-2 down to 3-2 up: India fight back to beat USA in FIH Nations Cup opener

Navneet Kaur (file photo) The Indian women’s hockey team managed to beat USA 3-2 at the FIH Nations Cup in Auckland by two goals on Monday.Deepika scored twice for India, Navneet Kaur added the third goal. Ashley Sessa and Madeleine Zimmer scored for the USA. The winner of the Nations Cup will earn promotion to the FIH Pro League, from which India were relegated last season.The USA got off to a fast start and took the lead in the fourth minute when Ashley Sessa scored a field goal.Three minutes later, the Americans increased their lead when Madeleine Zimmer converted a penalty corner in the seventh minute to make it 2-0.India settled down gradually and found their way back in the second quarter. Drag-flicker Deepika converted a penalty corner in the 17th minute to reduce.India continued to pressure the US defense and earned another penalty corner midway through the quarter. Deepika came through again to make it 2-2 in the 24th minute.The comeback was completed before halftime. Navneet Kaur converted a penalty corner in the 28th minute to give India a 3-2 lead and give the team a one-goal lead at the break.The second half was evenly matched with both teams looking for goals. India and USA each earned six penalty corners during the match, but neither side could score again in the final two periods.India defended their lead in the closing stages to secure all three points and start their Nations Cup campaign with a win.With this result, India moved into second place in Group A with three points, level with Japan, who lead the standings on goal difference.