India overcame a challenging 1-3 deficit in the 18th minute to deliver a powerhouse performance, defeating the USA 7-3. This second consecutive victory ensures their place in the FIH Women's World Cup quarterfinals held in Muscat. India's offensive clinic featured goals from Mahima Choudhary (17'), a brace by Mariana Kujur (20', 22'), two from Deepika Soreng (23', 25'), as well as strikes from Mumtaz Khan (27') and Ajmina Kujur (29'). The USA's efforts were led by Jacqueline Sumfest, who scored twice (4', 18'), and Captain Linnea Gonzales (14').
After trailing 1-3 in the 18th minute, India unleashed incredible firepower to defeat the United States 7-3, securing their second consecutive win and advancing to the quarterfinals of the FIH Hockey’s Women’s World Cup in Muscat. India’s goal scorers included Mahima Choudhary (17′), Mariana Kujur (20′, 22′), Deepika Soreng (23′, 25′), Mumtaz Khan (27′), and Ajmina Kujur (29′). Jacqueline Sumfest (4′, 18′) and Captain Linnea Gonzales (14′) scored for the United States.
The US took an early lead thanks to a sharp reverse shot from Jacqueline Sumfest that found the bottom corner of the net. India responded with a wave of attacks, but Kealsie Robles put on a goalkeeping masterclass, coming off her line to shut down multiple scoring threats. Although the Indian forwards kept the pressure high throughout the remainder of the first half, they couldn't find the back of the net. The half ended poorly for India when Captain Gonzales snatched a loose ball from the defense and slotted it in from close range to double the American lead.
India started the second half with aggressive momentum, trapping the USA in their own zone until Mahima finally broke through to bring India closer. The USA didn't panic, however, and quickly regained a two-goal cushion when Jacqueline launched a powerful long-range strike from the halfway line. India continued to fight back, and Mariana eventually found the net by redirecting a cross past Robles. Staying relentless, Mariana then seized a loose ball in the US half and fired it home, bringing the score to a dead heat at 3-3.
Once the game was leveled, the 'Women in Blue' took complete control. Deepika claimed the lead for the first time in the match with a clever goal from a tight angle. Just two minutes later, she struck again from an even narrower position, hitting the far post to give India a decisive 5-3 advantage.
The onslaught didn't stop there; Mumtaz Khan tipped a powerful pass from Jyoti Chhatri into the goal to make it 6-3. In the final minute, Ajmina intercepted a ball right in front of the cage and tapped it in for the seventh goal, sealing a dominant victory. This follows India's opening Pool C win, where they edged out Poland 5-4. They are now set to face New Zealand in the quarterfinal round.