Amstelveen: The Indian women's hockey team will look to conclude the Hockey World Cup with a win when it faces Germany in the play-off match for 5th-6th place on Thursday. If India win tomorrow and finish fifth, it will be their best-ever finish since a historic fourth-place finish in the first tournament in 1974 – reflecting the progress Indian women's hockey has made at the global level. India have shown tremendous spirit throughout the tournament and have lost only once in five matches. They drew matches with higher-ranked teams like Paris Olympics silver medalists China, England and Australia, and also recorded a resounding 6-1 win over South Africa. Their only defeat came to Olympic and defending champions Netherlands, who had to fight hard for their 2–0 win. India finished third in the second stage and missed out on a place in the semi-finals by a narrow margin after several tightly contested draws. At the same time, Germany's journey has also been very competitive. They defeated Scotland and the United States in the initial pool stage.
India missed the semi-finals by a small margin
In the second stage, they defeated Spain but lost to Belgium; This result saw them finish third in their pool and qualify for the play-offs. “We beat South Africa by a big margin, played very well against the Netherlands as well… The girls also realize they have taken good steps. But they are naturally disappointed, and I think that's a good thing. It means they feel we can do better,” India head coach Schuard Marine said.
Finishing the attack will be important against Germany
The challenge for India will be to convert its excellent performance into results. Against some of the leading teams in the tournament, chances have been created in the attacking third but goals have been difficult to score. Therefore, the role of the forward players will be important against Germany – either converting the chances they get or winning penalty corners, which can give players like Deepika and Navneet Kaur a chance to score from set-pieces.
Goalkeeper Savita and defense became the strength of the team
India's defense unit has shown strength throughout the tournament. Goalkeepers Savita and Bichu Devi Kharibam have performed brilliantly at the goal post. Captain Salima Tete has also strengthened the team's defense with her excellent rushing block during the penalty corner.
Now against Germany, India will have to show better finishing in attack along with its strong defence.
Germany also had a challenging journey
Germany defeated Scotland and the United States in the preliminary pool stage. In the second stage, it defeated Spain, while it lost against Belgium. Following this result, Germany finished third in their pool and advanced to the 5th–6th place play-off.
Marine said that the Indian team has already created history by achieving its best ranking in the World Cup since 1974, but the team wants to perform even better. According to him, the match against Germany will be a good opportunity to show that the team can move ahead from the performance against Australia.
Why is this match special for India?
If the Indian team defeats Germany and finishes fifth, it will be its best performance in the World Cup since 1974. This achievement, achieved after more than five decades, can become a new benchmark for Indian women's hockey.
Also read: 4 time IWL champion got big responsibility, Anthony Andrews becomes assistant coach of India U-17 women's team