Scotland and Italy joined England in the semi-finals of the last women’s World Cup qualifier tournament in Hyderabad, moving a big step closer to this summer’s showcase.
Having already qualified for the semi-finals, England continued their impressive run with a disciplined 2–0 victory over Austria to finish on top of Pool A with goals from Grace Balsdon and Holly Hunt.
Italy followed them through from the group following a dramatic 1-1 draw with Korea. Needing a draw or better, the Italians went in front in the seventh minute via Federica Carta’s stroke after her shot hit a foot on the line.
Korea equalised before half-time, also from a stroke, via Jiyun Choi and that was how it remained despite a huge onslaught in the final minutes which also saw the Italians reduced to eight players at the final whistle.
Captain Sara Puglisi said, “We definitely are over the moon and we are happy with the end of the group phase result. It was our first objective in the tournament and we achieved it. We know the importance of the next matches. We will focus on our opponent and use every minute to be fully prepared for the semi-final.”
In Pool B, Scotland got the better of Uruguay 3-1 to make it into the final four.
The Scots opened scoring in the 10th minute when Fiona Burnet put her team ahead 1-0, but nine minutes later, Teresa Viana responded in similar fashion to put Uruguay level at 1-1 from a penalty corner.
Katherine Holdgate’s brilliant follow-up shot restored the Scottish lead just before the end of Q3 and they rode their luck as Uruguay – needing a win – rounded the goalkeeper but could only shoot wide.
By contrast, Holdgate made no mistake when scoring into an empty net for the unassailable 3-1 lead to secure second in the group behind India who won 4-1 against Wales.
Scotland captain Sarah Robertson said: “So proud of the efforts the team has shown so far, but the job is not done yet and we have more to give. The key to success so far has been every member of our team doing their role and fighting together.”
Scotland play England in the semis with Italy meeting India on Friday.
