Poornima Yadav’s double leads dominant Pool C performance in Santiago
India defeated Ireland 4-0 in the Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup Pool C match in Santiago on Friday, with forward Poornima Yadav scoring twice and Kanika Siwach and Sakshi Rana adding one goal each.
India earned a penalty corner within the first 12 seconds but failed to convert, squandering a second opportunity in the 10th minute. However, the missed chances didn’t slow India’s momentum. Two minutes later, Kanika Siwach opened the scoring with a goal from Sakshi’s precise pass.
India earned penalty corners in the 17th and 23rd minutes, but Ireland goalkeeper Lucy McGoldrick saved both attempts. Ireland’s first genuine scoring opportunity came in the 24th minute, but the Indian goalkeeper made the stop. India’s fifth penalty corner in the 28th minute also went unconverted, leaving the halftime score 1-0.
India focused on defensive solidity in the third quarter while maintaining pressure. Manisha doubled the lead in the 40th minute, then India capitalized on a penalty corner two minutes later, with Poornima converting from Sakshi Shukla’s excellent pass.
Ireland responded at the start of the fourth quarter when Eebha Karan shot toward the bottom corner, but defender Nandini denied the Irish striker. India regained control, with Sakshi Rana beating the left-side defense in the 57th minute to fire a powerful shot into the bottom corner. A minute later, Poornima secured her double by deflecting the ball over the goalkeeper.
The comprehensive victory strengthens India’s position in Pool C as they pursue progression in the tournament. Despite failing to convert multiple penalty corners, India’s clinical finishing from open play and solid defensive organization proved decisive against an Irish team that struggled to create clear chances.
The result continues Ireland’s challenging campaign in the Junior Women’s World Cup, with the team seeking improvement in upcoming Pool C matches.