India edged Uruguay in a dramatic shootout after a 1-1 draw in their 9/12 qualification clash at the FIH Hockey Junior Women’s World Cup 2025 in Santiago. The win came via a 3-1 shootout scoreline, with India advancing to the next round. Manisha gave India the lead in the 19th minute, while Justina Arregui equalized for Uruguay in the 60th minute at Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional.
From the opening whistle, India controlled possession and orchestrated several promising forays into the Uruguay defense. Uruguay did manage the tournament’s first penalty corner in the fifth minute but chose not to shoot, letting the chance slip away. India earned a penalty corner in the 18th minute and attempted a clever variation that fed Sakshi Rana at the near post; her shot, however, was saved by the Uruguay keeper.
Moments later, Manisha struck from distance to put India ahead, rifling a powerful shot into the goal at 19 minutes. In the opening half, India dominated with 11 circle penetrations, while Uruguay opted for a notably defensive approach.
The pattern continued through the third quarter, with India pressing high and keeping Uruguay pinned back in their own half. Despite continuous pressure and multiple circle entries, India couldn’t add to their lead. Two more Indian penalty corners in the middle of the third period yielded no goals.
The final quarter opened up, and Uruguay began to attack more freely. Their second penalty corner of the day in the 49th minute produced a spectacular save from India’s goalkeeper Nidhi, preserving the Indian advantage.
With two minutes remaining, Uruguay substituted an outfield player for a goalkeeper in a bid to press for a late winner. The gamble paid off when Justina Arregui converted a penalty stroke with just two seconds on the clock, forcing the game to a shootout.
In the shootout, India prevailed 3-1. Purnima Yadav, Ishika, and Kanika Siwach converted their attempts, while Nidhi thwarted Uruguay three times to seal the victory and move India forward in the tournament.
India’s next assignment is a 9th/10th place clash against Spain on Thursday at the FIH Hockey Junior Women’s World Cup 2025.
