The Indian women's hockey team scored a late goal to eke out a 1-0 victory over Ireland in a must-win penultimate pool match to keep their Olympic hopes alive.
Needing a win to keep their hopes alive after three consecutive defeats, India waited for 57 minutes before Navneet Kaur scored the game-winning goal to keep her team in contention for a quarterfinal berth.
To qualify for the quarterfinals, India must win their final Pool A match against South Africa on Saturday and hope that Ireland loses to Great Britain.
The top four teams from each pool advance to the knockout round.
After three goalless quarters in which India completely dominated but was unable to breach the Irish defence led by goalkeeper Ayeisha McFerran, Navneet finally found the back of the net to put smiles on Indian faces.
India had numerous chances from the start, forcing as many as 14 penalty corners but failing to use even one of them.
However, a brilliant moment from skipper Rani Rampal, who created the opportunity for Navneet, saved India from an early exit from the Games. Navneet was in the right place at the right time to score.
India's dominance can be gauged by the fact that they earned ten penalty corners in the first two quarters but squandered all of them. India earned their first penalty corner in the eighth minute, and two minutes later, after Navneet's reverse shot was saved by Ireland goalkeeper McFerran.
India's agonising wait continued as they squandered up to five penalty corners a minute before halftime. Soon after the end of the game, India received three more penalty corners, but the finishing was lacking.
Minutes later, Ireland was awarded a penalty corner, which India fiercely defended. Sharmila Devi made a brilliant solo run from midfield in the 39th minute, entering the circle and attempting a reverse stick hit that McFerran blocked.
India quickly secured their 14th and final penalty corner, but once again squandered the opportunity. The Indians, however, did not give up and continued to attack, and Navneet saved her team from early elimination, much to the relief of chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.
