Italian Goalkeeper Heroics Secure Thrilling Shoot-out Victory Over Chile in FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers

In a riveting classification match at the FIH Hockey Olympic Qualifiers, Italy emerged triumphant over Chile in a dramatic shoot-out, securing a 2-1 victory after a 2-2 draw in regulation time.

Italy initially took control of the match, leading 2-1 with goals from Bruni Antonella (20th min) and Federica Carta (24th min) in quick succession after Francisca Tala had given Chile an early lead in the 13th minute. However, Chile made a comeback, leveling the scores through Paula Valdivia just seven minutes before the final hooter, ultimately pushing the game into a shoot-out at the Marang Gomke Jaipal Singh Astro-Turf Hockey Stadium.

In the shoot-out, Italian goalkeeper Lucia Ines Caruso showcased her skills with crucial saves, including a penalty stroke. Federica Carta and Maria Inaudi successfully converted for Italy, while Guadalupe Moras and Antonella Rinaldi missed their attempts. For Chile, Domenica Ananias scored the first attempt, giving them an advantage after Italy’s Rinaldi had missed.

The shoot-out witnessed some drama as Simone Avelli and Josefina Khamis missed their attempts, with two of Khamis’ shots thwarted by Italy’s goalkeeper, Lucia Ines Caruso. Despite being pulled up for a foul on Khamis’ second attempt, Caruso made a fine save off the resultant penalty stroke, maintaining Italy’s advantage. Federica Carta’s successful conversion in the fourth shoot-out attempt sealed Italy’s victory after Khamis failed to beat the Italian goalkeeper.

With this win, Italy advances to battle for the fifth position, while Chile will participate in the playoff to determine the seventh and eighth positions on Friday, the final day of the Olympic Qualifiers.

–IANS