BHUBANESWAR, Feb 21: The Indian women’s hockey team faced another tough defeat, succumbing to Germany with a score of 0-4 in the FIH Pro League on Friday. The German team dominated the game from the beginning, netting their first three goals through field plays by Amelie Wortmann (3rd minute) and Sophia Schwabe (18th, 47th). They capped off their performance with a penalty corner goal from Johanne Hachenberg in the 59th minute. Germany managed to secure 10 penalty corners, while India only managed two.
The scoring began early, with Wortmann scoring during a goalmouth scramble just three minutes into the match. Germany quickly followed up with a penalty corner but failed to convert. Two minutes later, they earned back-to-back penalty corners, but India held firm in defense. In the 18th minute, Germany extended their lead with a well-executed field goal.
Shortly after halftime, India earned a penalty corner, but Deepika’s flick was ineffective against the German goalkeeper. A couple of minutes later, Germany had another penalty corner opportunity, but again the Indian defense stood strong. In the 39th minute, India earned yet another penalty corner, but Udita’s slap hit was blocked by the determined German defense.
Just two minutes into the final quarter, Germany made it 4-0 with a spectacular reverse hit from Schwabe. Although India attempted to mount a comeback with several promising attacks, they struggled to find the finishing touch. The match was sealed in the final minute when Hachenberg converted another penalty corner.
India will face Germany once more on Saturday. Currently, India sits seventh in the nine-team standings with six points from four matches, while Germany holds a slightly better position with seven points from six games. (Agencies)
