India secured a crucial 1-0 victory against Germany in the women’s FIH Pro League match on Saturday, with star drag-flicker Deepika scoring the decisive goal from a penalty corner in the 12th minute.
This win came as a strong comeback after India’s 4-0 defeat to Germany just a day before. India’s next match is scheduled against Netherlands on February 24.
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The Indian team displayed remarkable improvement from their previous performance, showing determination and skill throughout the match.
The match began with India taking an aggressive stance, putting immediate pressure on the German defense.
Early in the game, captain Salima Tete attempted a shot following Sunelita Toppo’s impressive play on the left wing, but German goalkeeper Finja Starck remained untroubled.
India dominated the attacking play and earned their first penalty corner through Neha’s excellent dribbling skills, leading to Deepika’s powerful drag-flick for her 26th international goal.
The Indian team maintained their aggressive strategy, effectively containing Germany in their own half. Deepika’s performance was particularly noteworthy in the first two quarters, helping India maintain their one-goal advantage at halftime.
India continued their momentum into the third quarter, earning another penalty corner in the 31st minute, but Deepika’s attempt struck the right post.
The game’s dynamics shifted as Germany increased their offensive pressure in search of an equalizer. The German team earned two consecutive penalty corners near the end of the third quarter but failed to convert either opportunity.
Early in the final quarter, Germany secured another penalty corner, but Indian goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam made two spectacular saves to maintain India’s lead.
The fourth quarter saw Germany mounting continuous attacks while India focused on defending their lead.
Germany’s final opportunity came in the 53rd minute through a penalty corner, but Lena Micheel’s shot went wide, allowing India to secure their victory.
