The Indian women’s hockey teamlosing streak at FIH Pro League 2023-24 extended after being beaten 3-1 by Germany in their first match in London on Saturday.
For India, Deepika (23′) scored the only goal, while for him German women’s ice hockey teamCharlotte Steppenhorst (13′), Sonia Zimmermann (24′) and Nike Lorenz (37′) were on target.
This was India’s fifth defeat in as many matches since then FIH Pro League continued last month. They are currently seventh in the standings after 13 matches, with just two wins and 10 losses.
India, ninth in women khaki ranked, started cautiously, not allowing world No. 3 Germany to make easy inroads into her striking circle.
The Indian hockey team worked a disciplined structure with short, accurate passes that allowed them to create space in the German circle. But an Indian goal remained elusive in the first quarter.
Just after the halfway mark in the first quarter, the German hockey team started to kick into gear, pushing India back into their own half with some attacks from the right.
With two minutes remaining, it was Charlotte Steppenhorst who gave Germany the lead in the 13th minute after scoring from close range. At the end of the first quarter, Germany led India 1-0.
In the second quarter, the Indian women’s hockey team increased the frequency of their attacks in an attempt to tie the score, forcing Germany’s midfielders to make back passes and retain possession.
With India switching to a counter-attacking strategy, the game plan paid off as Deepika converted the penalty to help India get back into the game in the 23rd minute.
However, Germany were quick to respond as Sonja Zimmermann extended Germany’s lead to 2-1 after finding the net from a penalty corner in the next minute.
Both India and Germany won several penalty corners in the dying minutes of the second quarter, but both failed to make the most of the opportunities. At half-time, Germany led India 2-1.
India started the game aggressively after half time but the German defense continued to hold the fort. The third quarter saw plenty of action at both ends, but it was Germany who extended their lead through Nike captain Lorenz (37′). At the end of the third quarter, Germany led India 3-1.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, India began to show urgency. The Indian team continued with intent and created several scoring chances, but the German defense was up to the task. The match ended with Germany winning 3-1.
The Indian women’s hockey team will next face Great Britain in the 2023-24 FIH Pro League on Sunday.