Did India Fall to Germany 1-3 in the Junior Women’s World Cup?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- India's junior women’s hockey team displayed resilience despite the loss.
- The match highlighted the aggressive tactics employed by Germany.
- India created several scoring opportunities but lacked finishing.
- The upcoming match against Ireland is crucial for India’s campaign.
- Hina Bano emerged as a key player for India.
Santiago (Chile), Dec 3 (NationPress) The Indian junior women’s hockey team faced a 1-3 defeat against Germany during their second match in the FIH Junior Women’s World Cup at the Centro Deportivo de Hockey Césped, Estadio Nacional in Santiago on Wednesday. Hina Bano (58’) netted the lone goal for India, while Lena Frerichs (5’), Annika Schönhoff (52’), and Martina Reisenegger (59’) scored for Germany.
The match began with high intensity, as both sides were eager to take control. Germany's aggressive play forced India onto the defensive early on, resulting in a penalty stroke awarded in the fifth minute. Lena Frerichs (5’) expertly converted the stroke, giving Germany a 1-0 advantage.
Despite this early hurdle, India gradually found their footing and crafted some chances, but they struggled to level the score during the first quarter.
The second quarter maintained its intensity, with India pressing forward in search of an equalizer. Notable efforts came from Manisha, who made a remarkable run creating a promising opportunity that ultimately went unconverted. Germany had another chance to extend their lead towards the end of the half with a penalty stroke, but Lena Frerichs missed, leaving the score at 1-0 at halftime.
India started the second half with renewed energy, pushing into the German circle. They came close to scoring from a penalty corner, yet the equalizer remained elusive. As the third quarter progressed, the pace slightly diminished, with India still trailing by a single goal heading into the final quarter.
With urgency in their play, India continued to seek a goal to equalize. They nearly succeeded from another penalty corner but were unable to convert.
Germany eventually extended their lead with a tap-in from Annika Schönhoff (52’). Just as India seemed to be finding momentum, Hina Bano (58’) responded with a goal from a penalty corner, briefly igniting hopes of a comeback. However, Martina Reisenegger (59’) struck again for Germany, solidifying their win at 3-1.
India is set to face Ireland on December 5 at 1730 hours IST.