SANTIAGO (Chile), Dec 1: India squandered a two-goal advantage to go down 3-4 to last edition’s runners-up Germany in a thrilling FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup match here.
Annu (11’), Ropni Kumari (14’), and Mumtaz Khan (24’) were the goal scorers for India, while Sophia Schwabe (17’), Laura Pluth (21’, 36’), and Carolin Seidel’s (38’) found the net for Germany on Thursday.
India quickly settled into a passing rhythm, dominating the game in the opening quarter by controlling possession and continuously testing Germany’s defensive line.
It was during this period of sustained pressure that the Indian team secured consecutive penalty corners, and Annu capitalised with a powerful shot, finally putting her team in the lead.
Shortly after breaking the deadlock, India further solidified their position as Ropni found the net to give them a 2-0 lead after the first quarter.Germany’s efforts bore fruit as Sophia scored an impressive field goal, reducing the deficit for Germany.
Laura fired a powerful strike to level the score. However, India swiftly responded as Mumtaz skillfully put the ball past the opposition’s goalkeeper putting them in front again as they went into the half-time break with a 3-2 lead.In the third quarter Germany managed to level the score. Laura struck for the second time, equalising the game.Germany intensified their attack and seized the lead with Carolin goal from a penalty corner.
The Indian team will next take on Belgium in their third match of the tournament on Saturday. (PTI)
