India women staged a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat Germany 3-1 and finish fifth at the 2026 Women’s Hockey World Cup at Wagener Stadium in Amstelveen on Thursday. The result gave India their best World Cup finish since they came fourth in the tournament’s inaugural edition in 1974.
Having suffered just one defeat throughout the tournament, India entered the fifth-place play-off hoping to end their campaign on a high. Germany, however, controlled large parts of the first half and kept India’s attacking moves largely under control, making it look like the match could go down to the wire.
Midfielder Neha said finishing fifth was a proud achievement for the team. While India had hoped to reach the final and compete for the title, she said the players were pleased with the overall result.
Neha also highlighted the upcoming Asian Games as another important challenge, particularly with qualification and preparations for the Olympics in mind. She acknowledged that India would face strong Asian opponents such as China, Japan and Korea but said the team would continue improving and give its best.
GERMANY PUT INDIA UNDER PRESSURE
The opening quarter was evenly contested, with India taking a cautious approach and looking to create opportunities through counter-attacks. Captain Salima Tete looked lively in the attacking third, but Germany gradually increased the pressure and forced India into mistakes.
Germany won a penalty corner late in the quarter, but goalkeeper Bichu Devi made a key save from the first attempt. The re-awarded penalty corner also failed to produce a goal, allowing India to maintain a clean sheet.
The second quarter continued in much the same fashion. Germany had more possession and created more attacking opportunities, while India found it difficult to maintain sustained pressure near the German circle.
Germany earned another penalty corner in the 18th minute after the ball hit Sushila Chanu’s foot, but the opportunity disappeared after an inaccurate injection.
India began to find their rhythm midway through the quarter. Navneet Kaur forced German goalkeeper Finja Starck into a save, while Salima tested her twice soon after. Starck responded with three saves to keep the scores level at half-time.
ISHIKA AND NAVNEET CHANGE THE GAME
The complexion of the match changed after the break as India returned with much greater attacking intent and began exploiting gaps in Germany’s defence.
There was concern for India in the 38th minute when Jyoti slipped awkwardly and appeared to injure her knee before leaving the field with assistance.
India responded strongly despite the setback. Five minutes later, Ishika Chaudhary opened the scoring with a superb individual effort. She carried the ball into the circle before producing a powerful reverse-lift that beat Starck and put India 1-0 ahead.
Germany were unable to respond before India doubled their lead. India earned their first penalty corner of the match in the 44th minute, with the opportunity being retaken after a foot was involved. Navneet received the initial touch and then fired the ball into the net.
India had gone from being under pressure in the first half to leading 2-0 within a short span.
NAVNEET ADDS ANOTHER AS INDIA HOLD OFF GERMANY
India continued their attacking momentum into the final quarter and extended their advantage just two minutes after the restart.
Navneet displayed excellent composure inside the circle, moving around the goalkeeper before delicately lifting the ball into the net to make it 3-0.
Germany responded by stepping up the pressure and searching desperately for a way back into the contest. India’s defence remained resolute, while goalkeeper Savita Punia made several important interventions, including a crucial save from a German penalty corner in the 53rd minute.
Germany eventually pulled one goal back in the 59th minute. Lynn Krings reacted quickest to a rebound after Savita had made two saves in succession, reducing the deficit to 3-1.
The Germans earned another penalty corner in the dying seconds, but India held firm and avoided any late drama.
The convincing second-half display capped an impressive tournament for India and secured their best World Cup finish in more than five decades. The 3-1 victory also provided a confidence boost for the team ahead of the Asian Games.
