Smith puts England in World Cup
England 2 India 1
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England achieved their major objective here last night when they beat India 2-1 in a thrilling game to qualify for next year's World Cup in Australia, becoming the first team to do so.
England opened the scoring in the ninth minute after a precise 60-yard pass out of defence by Mandy Nicholson found Purdy Miller racing away down the right. Leisa King met the cross to put England ahead.
Following this early success England survived a careless stage as the skilful, speedy Indian players drove forward for the equaliser. They were relieved to go further ahead in the 24th minute, when Jane Smith scored after good work from Anna Bennett.
In a tense second half India pulled a goal back after 15th minutes, when Jyoti Kullu deflected an edge of circle free hit past Carolyn Reid, who earlier had made a number of brave saves. When Kerry Moore was penalised for not retreating at a free hit a fierce shot from Sumrai Tete was again blocked by Reid and appeared to hit an Indian foot. Although the Russian umpire initially awarded a penalty stroke, after consultation she reversed her decision with England going on to victory.
England: C Reid; M Nicholson, K Walsh, K Moore; D Marston-Smith, R Walker, L Wright, T Cullen; A Bennett, P Miller, L King. Substitutes used: J Bimson, S Blanks & J Smith.
India: C Kshetrimayum; A Kaur, S Bala; A Lugunj, S Gusain, S Tete; S Kaur, M Kaur, S Maimom-Chanu, J Kullu, M Kharb. Substitutes used: N Singh & P Devi.
Umpires: J Barnesby (Aus) and I Sivtsova (Rus).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments