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

India ended their Women’s Hockey World Cup campaign on a high, beating Germany 3-1 in the fifth-sixth place classification match to secure their best-ever finish at the tournament in 52 years.The contest at Wagener Hockey Stadium was tightly fought in the opening half, with neither team able to find the breakthrough. Germany had the better share of penalty-corner opportunities, 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, only to be denied each time.India turn the game around after the breakThe match changed dramatically in the third quarter. India finally broke the deadlock in the 43rd minute when Ishika was played through and produced a composed reverse-lift 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. Three minutes later, she struck again, showing excellent composure to dribble past the goalkeeper before calmly lifting the ball over her.India entered the final quarter with a commanding 3-0 lead and defended it with discipline. Savita made two important saves in the closing stages, but Germany eventually pulled one back in the 59th minute when Krings converted a rebound.Germany earned another penalty corner with only seconds remaining, but it was too late to change the result.India held on for a 3-1 victory, securing fifth place and completing a memorable campaign. The result marks India’s best World Cup finish since their fifth-place effort at the inaugural 1974 edition.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.