Synopsis
The Indian women's hockey team achieved a significant 1-0 victory over Germany, avenging their earlier loss. Deepika's goal propelled India to the seventh spot in the FIH Hockey Pro League standings.Key Takeaways
- India secured a 1-0 win against Germany.
- Deepika scored the only goal in the 12th minute.
- India's defense was critical in maintaining their lead.
- Next match against the Netherlands on February 25.
- India climbed to seventh place in the points table.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 22 (NationPress) The Indian women’s hockey team found redemption as they avenged their earlier loss by securing a 1-0 victory against Germany in the ongoing women's FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 at the Kalinga Stadium on Saturday. Deepika (12’) scored the only goal, propelling India to the seventh position on the points table.
India commenced the first quarter with a robust defensive strategy and an aggressive high press, countering Germany’s initial possession dominance with attacking moves. In the 12th minute, the hosts earned a penalty corner, their prime opportunity in this period. Deepika confidently converted, sending her shot into the net with accuracy to give India the lead. Shortly after, Vaishnavi Phalke nearly assisted Sunelita Toppo for a clever deflection, but it was unsuccessful.
The second quarter was marked by thrilling back-and-forth action, with India keen on extending their lead. Germany found themselves under pressure, especially with forward Sophia Schwabe being tightly guarded.
Deepika showcased her outstanding form by maneuvering through the German defense, making a brilliant run to set up Sharmila Devi in the 25th minute. Unfortunately, Sharmila's shot was saved by goalkeeper Finja Starck.
On a counterattack, Germany's Yara Mandel earned a penalty corner in the 26th minute; however, Indian goalkeeper Savita Punia skillfully blocked Lena Micheel’s low shot, keeping the score at 1-0.
Post-halftime, India was relentless, quickly earning a penalty corner via Navneet Kaur in the 31st minute. Deepika took the strike again, but the German defense held strong.
Despite Germany controlling possession for most of the third quarter, their lack of urgency limited their attempts on goal. They did win two consecutive penalty corners in the 38th minute, but the score remained unchanged.
In the closing quarter, India's defense was commendable. An early penalty corner for Germany was thwarted as Stine Kurz’s shot was bravely blocked by Sunelita Toppo.
In the 47th minute, Schwabe unleashed a fierce shot from close range, yet goalkeeper Bichu Devi made a crucial save. Following that, Lisa Nolte attempted to capitalize on the rebound but was denied again by Devi’s quick reflexes. In the match's final moments, Germany pushed forward, attempting to find an equalizer, but India's defense remained impenetrable.
India's next challenge will be against the Netherlands on February 25 at Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
