Thaindian News

New Delhi, Feb 22 (IANS) Italy kept their hopes alive of qualifying for the women’s hockey Olympics as they narrowly beat Ukraine 2-1 at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium here Wednesday.

Italy staked their claim early in the match, with top-scorer of the competition Alessia Padalino scoring with her trademark direct shot on a penalty-corner inside five minutes of play.

The early morning match was not contested with much pace on either side, with players possibly starting to feel the strain of playing their fourth game in five days.

Ukraine had a timid attempt from a penalty-corner, easily saved by Roberta Lilliu in the Italian goal, but there was no additional scoreboard activity in the period and Italy went into the half-time break with a narrow one-goal lead.

Ukraine came back in the match early in second period thanks to Bohdana Sadova, jumping on a loose ball in front of the Italian keeper and smashing it in the goal from close range.

The match became more animated, both teams trying to force the decision, but too often rushing the last pass or last shot to seriously threaten the goal-keepers.

Tempers flared up in the tense end of match. Padalino, the final recipient of most Italian attacks, was under close scrutiny from the Ukrainian defence, and that left Giuliana Ruggeri wide open in the circle, who scored the winning goal in the 69th minute.