India Women Beat Uruguay 3-2 to Finish Unbeaten and Storm into FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 Semi-finals
India continued their perfect run at the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26, edging past Uruguay 3-2 in a dramatic Pool A encounter in Auckland on Thursday to secure a place in the semi-finals as group toppers.
Despite conceding the opening goal, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team displayed resilience and attacking intent to overturn the deficit, with drag-flick specialist Deepika scoring twice and Deepika Soreng adding another crucial goal. The victory completed an unbeaten group-stage campaign for India, who finished with three wins from three matches after earlier victories over the USA and Japan.
The result also confirmed the USA’s progression to the semi-finals as the second-placed team from Pool A, while India advanced with maximum points and growing confidence in their bid to win the tournament and earn promotion to the FIH Pro League.
The match held added significance for midfielder Neha, who celebrated her 200th senior international appearance in Indian colours. The experienced campaigner reached the milestone on a memorable evening as the team once again showcased its fighting spirit.
The opening exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides looking to establish control in midfield. Uruguay eventually struck first in the 13th minute when Chiara Appennino converted a penalty corner, giving the South American side a 1-0 lead after India's defence was breached for the first time in the tournament.
India responded positively to going behind and gradually increased the pressure through sustained possession and repeated circle entries. Their persistence paid off in the 24th minute when Deepika converted a penalty corner with precision to restore parity at 1-1 before half-time.
The equaliser shifted momentum firmly in India’s favour heading into the second half. The Indian forwards continued to press aggressively, forcing Uruguay to defend deep while creating multiple penalty corner opportunities.
Their attacking intent was rewarded in the 43rd minute through Deepika Soreng, who found space inside the circle and calmly finished to put India ahead 2-1. The field goal reflected India's dominance during the third quarter, where they controlled possession and dictated the pace of the contest.
However, Uruguay refused to back down. With the match entering its closing stages, captain Manuela Vilar stepped up to score in the 55th minute, levelling the scores at 2-2 and threatening to spoil India’s perfect group-stage record.
The equaliser only intensified the drama, but India responded almost immediately. Just a minute later, they earned another penalty corner, and Deepika once again rose to the occasion. The in-form drag-flicker converted her second set-piece of the evening with authority, restoring India’s lead at 3-2 and ultimately proving to be the match-winning goal.
It was another composed display from Deepika, who has emerged as one of India’s most reliable penalty corner specialists and delivered when her side needed her most.
Statistically, India enjoyed the upper hand throughout the contest. They earned seven penalty corners compared to Uruguay’s two and consistently created better scoring opportunities through structured attacking play. While Uruguay capitalised on their limited chances, India’s superior control and efficiency in key moments proved decisive.
The comeback victory also underlined the squad’s mental strength. Falling behind early against a disciplined opponent could have disrupted their rhythm, but India maintained composure, trusted their game plan and found solutions through both open play and set-pieces.
Winning all three pool matches gives India valuable momentum heading into the knockout rounds. The team has now defeated the USA, Japan and Uruguay during the group stage, demonstrating consistency across different styles of opposition.
The attacking unit has shown variety in its scoring methods, while the defensive structure has remained largely solid despite conceding twice against Uruguay. Equally encouraging is the contribution from multiple players, with Deepika continuing her excellent form while Deepika Soreng also making a timely impact.
The semi-finals, scheduled for June 20, are expected to provide a sterner challenge, with India likely to face either Chile or Korea. Nevertheless, the confidence gained from an unbeaten group campaign places them in a strong position to compete for the title.
With promotion to the FIH Pro League at stake for the tournament winner, every knockout match carries significant importance. India’s performances so far have reflected a team playing with confidence, discipline and belief, qualities that will be essential as they seek to lift the trophy.
Having topped Pool A with three successive victories, the Indian Women’s Hockey Team now moves into the business end of the competition knowing that two more wins could secure both the FIH Hockey Women’s Nations Cup 2025-26 title and a coveted return to the elite Pro League.
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