India were denied a victory after their first goal was controversially disallowed and were forced to share points with England [Images] in a Pool 'A' match of the women's hockey World Cup in Madrid on Sunday.

Asunta Lakra scored with a powerful drive in the nick of half-time to put India ahead 1-0, but the Indians were shocked to see the scoreboard read 0-0 when they came out to resume play in the second period.

The Indian eves, who had lost their previous two matches by a one-goal margin, went on to hold England 1-1 and earn their first point in the 12-nation tournament.

Schloe Rogers gave England their first goal, tapping in a sloppy clearance by the Indian goalie in the 47th minute.

But India levelled the scores 11 minutes later when a penalty stroke was awarded after an England defender's boot deflected a shot at the goal.

Surinder Kaur converted in style for her fourth goal of the tournament.

The pass that fed Lakra in the 35th minute was adjudged to have come from a high-held stick, hence the cancellation of the goal.

But what angered the Indian camp was that the goal was allowed by the on-field umpire but the decision was quietly reversed during the break.

As if to add insult to injury, the tournament officials refused to accept India's protest and call for video evidence.

Indian coach Maharaj Kaushik was told they could register a protest only at the end of the match.

The India-England matches have a history of controversies. In the final of the Manchester Commonwealth Games [Images] in 2002, India won by a golden goal which was disputed by the rivals.

The result left India in a must-win situation in the remaining two matches against Spain and China, on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively.

Going into the day, last edition's runner up Holland and Spain led Pool 'A' with six points each after two rounds of matches.

England, after their third match today, have four points while India have one.

Germany [Images] had three and China none at the start of the day's proceedings.

Australia [Images] lead Pool 'B' with nine points followed by Argentina (7), South Korea (4), South Africa [Images] (2), Japan [Images] (1) and the USA (1), who all have played three matches each.

The top two teams from each pool advance to the semi-finals.

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