After conceding an early goal, India displayed remarkable resilience and composure to overturn the deficit. Deepika starred with two goals, while Deepika Soreng added another as India registered its third consecutive victory of the tournament following wins over the United States and Japan. The United States also advanced to the semi-finals from Pool A after finishing second.
Chiara Appennino gave Uruguay the lead in the 13th minute after converting a penalty corner following a closely contested opening quarter. India responded strongly before the interval, with in-form drag-flicker Deepika successfully converting a penalty corner in the 24th minute to level the score at 1-1.
India raised the intensity after the break and maintained sustained pressure on the Uruguay defence. The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute when Deepika Soreng scored a fine field goal to put India ahead 2-1 heading into the final quarter.
Uruguay refused to surrender and found an equaliser in the 55th minute through captain Manuela Vilar, setting up a tense finish. However, India's response was swift. Just a minute later, Deepika converted her second penalty corner of the evening in the 56th minute to restore the lead and seal a hard-fought 3-2 victory.
The match also marked a memorable milestone for midfielder Neha, who celebrated her 200th senior international appearance for the Indian women's hockey team.
India dominated the attacking exchanges throughout the contest, earning seven penalty corners compared to Uruguay's two and making the most of crucial opportunities to complete another impressive comeback.
With three successive victories in the group stage, India will enter the semi-finals with growing confidence as it continues its pursuit of the FIH Nations Cup title and a return to the FIH Pro League. The team is likely to face either Chile or Korea in the semi-finals scheduled for June 20, carrying momentum and belief into the knockout stage.
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