India, Aug. 20 -- With seconds left on the clock, Tessa Howard found some space inside the shooting circle. If there was a player England wanted in that position, it was her.

Howard is a 27-year-old who was part of the England team that won the gold medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. At the ongoing FIH Hockey World Cup, she had two goals to her name. In that moment, in the 59th minute of play, she looked poised to get her third.

A drop of the right shoulder, a quick turn, and then a well-connected reverse hit sent the ball towards goal. It was her moment. But the moment wasn't hers alone.

It was also Bichu Devi Kharibam's time to shine. The Indian goalkeeper dove to her left and palmed the ball away from danger. A few seconds later,...