India suffered a narrow defeat against Germany in the sudden death penalty shootout, with a score of 3-4, at the FIH Women’s Hockey Olympic Qualifiers on Thursday, January 18. By the end of regular time, the match was evenly poised at 2-2 between India and Germany, which necessitated a penalty shootout and eventually led to sudden death. During the sudden death, Lisa Nolte executed a no-look nutmeg against Indian goalkeeper and captain Savita, which secured Germany's spot in the Paris Olympics.
Deepika put India ahead with a goal in the 15th minute, but Germany's Charlotte Stapenhorst responded with goals at the 27th and 57th minutes. Ishika Chaudhary's late goal in the 59th minute equalized the score at 2-2, leading to a shootout which Germany edged out with a 4-3 victory.
Despite the loss, the Indian women's hockey team still has a shot at qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics. They will face Japan, who lost their semi-final against the USA, in the bronze medal match on Friday. A victory in this match would secure India's place in the upcoming Summer Games.
The top three teams from this eight-nation tournament will qualify for the Paris 2024 Olympics, scheduled to take place in France in July and August this year. The USA and Germany have already booked their spots.
Germany, ranked 5th in the world and the highest-ranked team in the tournament, initially dominated the game with a more threatening offense. However, the Indian defense, led by captain and goalkeeper Savita Punia, stood firm, successfully repelling German attacks, including two penalty corners.
Ranked 6th in the world, India gradually gained momentum towards the end of the first quarter, primarily attacking down the left flank.
In the final minute of the first quarter, the home team earned their initial penalty corner, which Deepika capitalized on by driving a powerful shot past German goalkeeper Julia Sonntag, eliciting cheers from the packed Ranchi crowd, among whom was Indian cricket icon MS Dhoni.
Buoyed by the goal, India appeared more formidable in the second quarter. Nonetheless, it was Germany who scored next. Charlotte Stapenhorst's superb turn breached the Indian defense, and she then skillfully lobbed the ball into the net, equalizing the score before the break.
The second half saw an evenly matched contest, with the game swinging back and forth as both teams had their share of possession. Despite several close attempts, the score remained 1-1 at the end of the third quarter as both defenses stood firm.
The final quarter witnessed intense, end-to-end hockey, with both teams pushing hard for a goal. Numerous scoring opportunities arose, but the goalkeepers on each side made pivotal saves, keeping the game in the balance.
India faltered, and it was Charlotte Stapenhorst who capitalized with another outstanding play, this time with a steal. The German forward intercepted the ball from an Indian defender at a critical moment, charged into the circle, and unleashed a powerful shot past Savita to score.
Spurred on by the home crowd, India quickly responded. As time was running out, the team earned consecutive penalty corners, converting the second one into a goal through Ishika Chaudhary's last-minute equalizer, sending the match to a shootout.
The shootout proved to be a nail-biting affair. Despite Savita Punia making three impressive saves, the Indian shooters couldn't hold onto a 3-1 lead, ultimately losing 3-4 in sudden death.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK:
Venue revealed for India vs Pakistan's T20 World Cup 2024 group stage match to be held on June 9
Afghanistan appoint ex-Aussie cricketer as fielding coach after T20I series whitewash against India
