Women's FIH Pro League: India women lose to Germany in shoot-out

BHUBANESWAR: India made a hash of their experience and home conditions as they were held 1-1 by a young inexperienced Germany before the visitors won the shoot-out 2-1 to gain a bonus point from the first match of the Women's FIH Pro League double-header here on Saturday. It was a game of two halves as Germany held possession in the first period and India in the second. The hosts took an early lead via Navneet Kaur in the fourth minute but Germany equalised within a minute through Carlotta Sippel and the two teams remained locked 1-1 till the end of the match despite creating several chances. The two goalkeepers kept their respective teams in the hunt by pulling off some good saves. In the end, Germany had the last laugh as they won the shoot-out 2-1.

The Indians could not play their best game against the inexperienced Germans at the Kalinga Stadium.

The German team had a total of 65 senior caps to their name, with one of the youngest players, 18-year-old Jette Fleschutz, the most-capped player at 18 appearances.

By contrast, Sushila Chanu, was celebrating 200 caps for India, who should have made better use of their chances and put up a more conclusive performance. Certainly, that is what head coach Janneke Schopman will be hoping for from her players in the second match on Sunday. IANS

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