India Beat Germany 3-0 in women's FIH Pro Hockey League

The match took place at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar, Odisha on March 13, and the host team had lost to Germany 1-2 in the first match. The second match was all square at 1-1 at the end of the regulation time.

India scored in their first three attempts while the Germans stood helpless against skipper Savita, Kumari Sangita, Tete Salima and Sonika were the successful shooters from India. 

Penalty Shoot Out 

From the opposing team, Lilly Stoffelsma, Lena Frerichs and Sara Strauss failed in front of the goal post. The first quarter was dominated by the Indians with close to ninety percent of ball possession, but the opponent took the lead from one of the two penalty corners,with Felicia Wiedermann scoring a goal before halftime. Although Germany was leading in the 29th minute through a penalty conversion, the home team leveled the score with a field goal. India's debutant goal-keeper Kharibam Bichu Devi also prevented a possible penalty conversion in the second quarter. 

The current world number nine India made a strong comeback in the third quarter and equalized the score in the 40th minute. It was a field goal from the stick of Nisha Devi resulting in a positive switch in the team's spirit. Despite top-notch fieldwork by India, they failed to utilize three penalty corners in the match, unlike Germany who converted one from the five penalty corners they gained. India ultimately acquired two points from the match, including a bonus point and Germany secured one point.

Thanks to the result, India climbed one place to secure the second position in the FIH Pro League standings, with 12 points from six games right behind Argentina, who has an impressive tally of 12 points from four matches. 

Besides assuming the higher spot in the rankings, Germany had also defeated India in their last face-off at the Tokyo Olympics. However, things have changed for good for the Indian team since then and the Indian team seems eager to improve.

During a virtual press conference, skipper Savita said, "We made a few mistakes in the last match (against Spain) and we have worked on it over the two weeks. Also, since Germany are a strong defensive team, we practiced different attacking tactics."

India on a roll

India made a fine start to their debut season in the Pro League as they won over the Chinese side  with 7-1 and 2-1 in their opening two games in Muscat. Next, they had beaten world number six, Spain 2-1 in the first game before they suffered a 3-4 defeat in the hands of the Spanish team. Now, India will be playing against England on April 2 and 3 at the same venue.