After both sides were level 1-1 at the end of regulation time in first classification match of the FIH Women's Hockey World Cup here on Tuesday, India defeated Canada 3-2 in the shootout behind a great performance by captain Savita in front of the goal.
Madeline Secco gave Canada the lead in the 11th minute, but Salima Tete tied the score for India in the 58th minute. However, Savita's bravery in front of the net was what won India their first victory of the competition.
The Indian captain took the initiative and made up to six saves in the shootout, while Navneet Kaur, Sonika, and Neha scored in the match for ninth through sixteenth place.
India got the game underway offensively after their humiliating loss to Spain.
Canada managed to score after withstanding the Indians' initial onslaught, but it was overturned because the referee granted a penalty corner and Natalie Sourisseau's shot went off-target.
A few minutes later, Canada improved upon their previous penalty corner win. This variation confused the Indian defence, and Kathleen Leahy handed it to Secco for the finishing blow that stunned the Indians.
In the second quarter, India came out stronger and broke through the Canadian defence.
Goalkeeper Rowan Harris pushed her squad to stay focused as Monika in particular exploited her variety of 3D skills to get past the Canada defence.
India increased the stakes as the game approached the half. Navneet Kaur, Neha, and Vandana Katariya walked freely as Canada appeared to be significantly behind.
India was down a goal at the half when Navneet and Vandana collaborated to generate a great opportunity in the 25th minute, but Canadian goaltender Harris stopped the shot.
Lalremsiami made numerous quick inroads inside the Canada circle as India kept up the pressure after the change of ends.
Sara McManus and Hannah Haughn put up a standout effort at the backline to stop India's onslaught, but Canada managed to hold tight.
Just minutes into the third quarter, India had a wonderful chance to tie the game, but Navjot Kaur's attempt from within the circle was blocked.
Savita was called into the action a few minutes later when she made an outstanding stop from a penalty corner to prevent the Canadians from scoring again.
India once again made a miserable showing in penalty corners. In the last seconds of the third quarter, they were awarded back-to-back penalty corners but did not take advantage of the opportunities.
Lalremsiami narrowly missed the goal with his diving attempt in the closing minute of the third quarter after Salima Tete's feed from the right side.
With the exception of the early goal, Canada did not contribute much to the game as the Indians absolutely dominated it, launching assault after attack.
India's constant raiding in the fourth and final quarter in pursuit of the equaliser had the Canadian defence work hard.
Salima Tete's rebound goal after Gurjit's flick from a penalty corner was stopped by the Canadian goaltender was the reward for India's perseverance.
Karli Johansen had a chance to give Canada the lead again, but her penalty corner shot missed, forcing a shoot-out.
On Wednesday, India takes on Japan in the ninth-to-twelfth place playoff game.
