India Women’s National Hockey Team on Thursday lost 4-3 to Germany in a shoot-out after a regulation-time 2-2 draw, leaving them one win away from qualification for the Paris Olympics. India will face Japan in the 3rd place playoff on Friday night. The winner of the match will book their berth in the Paris Olympics.
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While India got off to a flying start with Deepika converting a penalty corner early in the first quarter, Germany were always on top with nearly double the circle entries as India. They leveled the game on the stroke of half-time through the excellent Charlotte Stapenhorst. Stapenhorst proved to be the game changer for Germany, handing them the lead late in the fourth quarter. With very little time remaining India needed to find the equaliser. Ishika tapped in from Udita Duhan’s blocked shot off a penalty corner to level the scores again.
In the shoot-out, Savita made a couple of brilliant saves, but German keeper Lisa Sonntag saved the day. Some poor shooting on the part of the Indians meant they would have to wait one more day to see if they would qualify for Paris.
