The Indian women’s hockey on Monday upset Australia in the Olympic quarterfinal to make it to the semis, for the first time ever. The side would aim for more glory when they take on Argentina in the semifinal on Wednesday.

India beat Australia, three-time world champions, 1-0 on Monday, a feat that very few believed these 18 determined and fearless Indian women could achieve.

The solitary goal in the match was scored by Gurjit Kaur. The drag-flicker rose to the occasion as she converted India’s only penalty corner in the 22nd minute.

Coming into the match, the odds were totally against India but the side led by talismanic Rani Rampal and coached by master tactician Sjoerd Marijne exceeded expectations.

India’s best performance in the Olympics had come way back in the 1980 Moscow Games where they finished fourth out of six teams.

Come Wednesday, the Indian women would look to surpass the achievements of their more-admired male counterparts by reaching their first-ever Olympic final. The men’s team fell short against world no.1 Belgium, losing 2-5 in the semifinals on Tuesday.

Riding on their performances at the Tokyo Games, the Indian women’s team has already jumped to the 7th spot in world rankings.

But in world no.2 Argentina, the Indian women will up against tough opponents who are hungry for Olympic success after missing out in Rio five years back.

Team Argentina has won two silvers – At 2000 Sydney Olympics and 2012 London Games. But a gold has eluded them.

The Indian defence, led by goalkeeper Savita Punia, had a brilliant outing against the Australians, stoutly defending their 22nd minute goal to register the narrow win.

The likes of Gurjit, Deep Grace Ekka, Monika and Udita will have to come up with similar efforts to stop the Las Leonas, who will be eyeing their maiden Olympic gold here.

Having registered three wins on the trot after as many loses, the momentum is in India’s favour.

The recent head-to-head record, however, gives Argentina the edge.