Hockey JrWC: India beat Germany, enter QF

India registered a 2-1 victory over Germany in their second Pool D match on Sunday and sealed their berth in Junior Women’s Hockey World Cup quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam was awarded player of the match for her phenomenal performance at the goal post. Lalremsiami Hmar (2′) and Mumtaz Khan (25′) scored a goal each in India’s win. Jule Bleuel scored for Germany. Getting off to a rollicking start with an early penalty corner in the second minute, India put pressure on the Germans. A dragflick by Deepika was excellently saved by the German goalkeeper Mali Wichmann, then experienced Lalremsiami picked up the rebound and used the space to pump the ball into the post with ease. Though the 1-0 lead put Germany on the back foot, they remained resolute to create some fine chances in the circle. However, the Indian defence led by goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam was exceptional in her pursuit to stop Germany from scoring. The second quarter was action-packed with Germany bringing their tactical expertise and composure to work their way into India’s circle. An infringement by the Indian defence in the 22nd minute saw the German’s being awarded a penalty stroke. This was perhaps their best chance to equalise but India’s goalie Bichu Devi’s fantastic effort denied the Germans an equaliser. A minutes later, Mumtaz Khan converted a swift goal, once again through a penalty corner variation that was brilliantly executed. It was Reet who took the shot with Mumtaz working a good variation taking India’s lead to a neat 2-0. The third quarter saw India on top gear as they attacked the German half with lethal speed and strategic counter attacks but they could not find success from these efforts. Germany bounced back in the final quarter with Jule Bleuel scoring a fine field goal from the top of the circle in the 57th minute. It looked like the Germans could have equalised, but India held their nerves in the tense final moments to keep the lead and seal their quarterfinal berth. India will play Malaysia in their last group stage match on April 5. 

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