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The Indian women’s hockey team outclassed 45th ranked Thailand 5-0 to set up a final date with Poland in the FIH Hockey World League Round 2 Tournament being played at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Earlier, 26th ranked Poland surprised 21st ranked Malaysia in the other semi-final by a solitary goal to set up a clash against the in-form home team.
The Ritu Rani-led side got the home crowd excited when Jaspreet Kaur made the most of a penalty stroke in the 11th minute. Sunita Lakra soon made it 2-0 firing home a penalty corner and Poonam Rani further consolidated the 13th ranked Indians’ position scoring the third goal in the 22ndth minute as the home side led 3-0 at half-time.
Rani Rampal racked up the fourth goal in the 40th minute before Amandeep Kaur rounded off the tally in the final off a short corner to seal her side’s smooth passage to the final.
India had earlier defeated Thailand 6-0 in the league phase and now will face Poland in the finals, who they had earlier defeated 2-0 in the pool stages.
Poland coach Krzysztof Rachwalski warned the home team against taking his side lightly on Sunday's final. He said,
"We have improved in the tournament with each game and the result is for everyone to see. We did well in the quarter-finals against Russia and today (Saturday) against Malaysia.”
“We managed to score only one goal, but it was enough for us to win the game. I think we are strong enough to face any opponent in the finals and it would be a very entertaining match to witness,"
