London [UK], The Indian women's hockey team lost 1-3 to Germany in their first match of the London leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 on Saturday.
Deepika (23') scored the only goal for India, while Charlotte Steppenhorst (13'), Sonja Zimmermann (24') and Nike Lorenz (37') were on target for Germany.
India started cautiously and did not allow Germany to enter their striking circle easily. The Indian team employed a disciplined structure with short, accurate passes which helped them break into Germany's circle. But not an Indian goal could be scored in the first quarter.Just after the halfway mark in the first quarter, the German team, with some attacks from the right side, pushed India into their own half.
With two minutes remaining, it was Charlotte Stapenhorst (13') who scored from close range to give Germany a 1–0 lead. At the end of the first quarter, Germany took a 1-0 lead over India.
In the second quarter, India increased the frequency of their attacks in an attempt to level the score, forcing Germany's midfielders to deliver back passes and maintain possession. With India switching to counter-attacking tactics, the game plan was successful as Deepika (23') converted the penalty corner to help India get back into the game. However, Germany were quick to respond as Sonja Zimmermann (24') scored from a penalty corner to take Germany's lead to 2–1.Both India and Germany won several penalty corners in the final minutes of the second quarter but neither could take advantage of the chances. Germany was ahead of India 2-1 till half time.
After half time, India started an aggressive game, but the German defense held the fort. The third quarter saw plenty of action at both ends, but it was Germany who extended their lead through their captain Nike Lorenz (37'). At the end of the third quarter, Germany took a 3-1 lead over India.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, India started showing urgency.The Indian team remained determined and created several scoring chances, but the German defense was strong. The match ended with a 3–1 victory for Germany.
The next match of the Indian women's hockey team will be against Great Britain on June 2 at 19:00 IST.
All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, in addition, all Indian matches will be broadcast on Sports18 – Khel.
Deepika (23') scored the only goal for India, while Charlotte Steppenhorst (13'), Sonja Zimmermann (24') and Nike Lorenz (37') were on target for Germany.
India started cautiously and did not allow Germany to enter their striking circle easily. The Indian team employed a disciplined structure with short, accurate passes which helped them break into Germany's circle. But not an Indian goal could be scored in the first quarter.Just after the halfway mark in the first quarter, the German team, with some attacks from the right side, pushed India into their own half.
With two minutes remaining, it was Charlotte Stapenhorst (13') who scored from close range to give Germany a 1–0 lead. At the end of the first quarter, Germany took a 1-0 lead over India.
In the second quarter, India increased the frequency of their attacks in an attempt to level the score, forcing Germany's midfielders to deliver back passes and maintain possession. With India switching to counter-attacking tactics, the game plan was successful as Deepika (23') converted the penalty corner to help India get back into the game. However, Germany were quick to respond as Sonja Zimmermann (24') scored from a penalty corner to take Germany's lead to 2–1.Both India and Germany won several penalty corners in the final minutes of the second quarter but neither could take advantage of the chances. Germany was ahead of India 2-1 till half time.
After half time, India started an aggressive game, but the German defense held the fort. The third quarter saw plenty of action at both ends, but it was Germany who extended their lead through their captain Nike Lorenz (37'). At the end of the third quarter, Germany took a 3-1 lead over India.
With 15 minutes left on the clock, India started showing urgency.The Indian team remained determined and created several scoring chances, but the German defense was strong. The match ended with a 3–1 victory for Germany.
The next match of the Indian women's hockey team will be against Great Britain on June 2 at 19:00 IST.
All matches of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24 will be streamed on JioCinema, in addition, all Indian matches will be broadcast on Sports18 – Khel.
