India lost a thrilling FIH Hockey Women's Junior World Cup match to last edition's runners-up Germany with a 3-4 scoreline, despite initially holding a two-goal advantage on November 30 in Santiago.
Annu (11), Ropni Kumari (14), and Mumtaz Khan (24) scored for India, while Sophia Schwabe (17), Laura Pluth (21, 36), and Carolin Seidel (38) netted for Germany.
India swiftly established a passing rhythm, dominating the opening quarter by maintaining possession and consistently challenging Germany's defensive line.
Germany's sturdy defence thwarted India's early efforts, preventing them from scoring until the closing minutes of the quarter. It was in this phase of sustained pressure that the Indian team earned back-to-back penalty corners. Annu seized the second opportunity, unleashing a powerful shot that ultimately propelled her team into the lead.
Shortly after breaking the deadlock, India strengthened their position as Ropni scored with a well-executed shot from yet another penalty corner, securing a 2-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Eager to reverse the situation, Germany entered the second quarter with renewed determination. Their endeavours paid off when Sophia netted an impressive field goal, narrowing the gap in the score. Capitalising on this momentum, Laura unleashed a powerful strike, equalising the score. However, India quickly countered as Mumtaz adeptly guided the ball past the opposing goalkeeper, restoring momentum in favour of India and giving them a 3-2 lead as they entered the halftime break.
Despite India's determination to preserve their lead, they focused on ball possession in the third quarter, but Germany succeeded in levelling the score. Laura scored for the second time, bringing the game to an equal footing.
Buoyed by their comeback, Germany heightened their offensive efforts, taking the lead with Carolin's goal from a penalty corner.
India intensified their attacking plays. However, despite their endeavours, the score remained 4-3 in favour of Germany by the end of the third quarter.
In the last quarter, both teams exhibited aggressive play, and Germany nearly increased their lead. Yet, Indian goalkeeper Madhuri Kindo's outstanding save in a one-on-one situation thwarted Germany's attempt to extend their advantage.
Simultaneously, India secured consecutive penalty corners in the closing minutes but was unable to convert them. The final quarter concluded without any goals being scored.
The Indian team is scheduled to face Belgium in its third tournament match on December 2.
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