Tokyo: The Indian women’s hockey team put up a much improved display in the Olympics on Monday only to go down 0-2 to Germany.
Germany were the superior side, but the Indians were anything but outplayed. In fact, had they taken their chances, India could have salvaged at least a draw.
Not only did Gurjit Kaur miss a penalty stroke, Indians created at least three good openings to score field goals but were mostly thwarted by German goalkeeper Kira Horn.
Having lost their opening game 1-5 to The Netherlands, Deep Grace Ekka & Co. looked to be more penetrative from the early stages. They made quite a few entries into the German circle, but were well checked by the German defence.
Germany scored from their first penalty corner, through captain Nike Lorenz in the 12th minute.
Grace and her fellow defenders did well to foil German moves in the second quarter, as India trailed by a solitary goal at half-time.
The Indians started the third quarter in style, with Vandana Katariya forcing their sole penalty corner at the end of a great solo run in the 33rd minute. Skipper Rani Rampal’s attempt looked to be on target but was somehow scrambled out. India went for a video referral asking for a penalty stroke, and got it too.
But Gurjit’s shot was palmed away by German custodian.
That was the turning point of the game as Germany doubled their lead a couple of minutes later. Ann Schroeder took aim from the top of the D, with none of the Indian defenders or Savita being able to stop it.
India didn’t give up and Vandana went on another dangerous run and found herself in a one-on-one situation with the goalkeeper. Yet again, Kira rose to the occasion to block Vandana’s shot.
Neha then snatched a ball in the German half and stormed into the D, but missed out on her reverse hit.
In the fourth quarter, Vandana’s clever attempt from close to the goalline hit the upright and went out.
