India script history, hammer Germany 3-1 to achieve best Hockey World Cup finish since 1974

India hammer Germany 3-1 (Photo: Hockey India) India ended their campaign at the Women’s Hockey World Cup on a high by defeating Germany 3-1 in the fifth-sixth place classification match to secure their best ever finish in the tournament in 52 years.The game at Wagener Hockey Stadium was tight in the first half, with neither team able to find a breakthrough. Germany had the better share of opportunities from penalty corners, but their execution lacked precision.India’s best spell came in the second quarter when Navneet Kaur and Salima Tete combined to test German goalkeeper Finja Starck three times but were denied each time.

India turned the game around after the break

The game changed dramatically in the third quarter. India finally broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when Ishika was bowled and produced a composed reverse stroke that beat Starck.Navneet then doubled India’s advantage a minute later. After winning another penalty corner, she used a touch-and-slap finish to send the ball into the net. She struck again three minutes later and showed great composure to dribble around the goalkeeper before calmly lifting the ball over her.India entered the final quarter with a convincing 3-0 lead and defended it with discipline. Savita made two crucial saves in the closing stages but Germany finally pulled one back in the 59th minute when Krings converted a rebound.Germany earned another penalty corner with seconds remaining, but it was too late to change the outcome.India won 3-1 to secure fifth place and complete a memorable campaign. The result marks India’s best World Cup finish since their fifth-place effort at the inaugural edition in 1974.