Lalremsiami’s fine 50th minute strike gave the Indian women’s team some reason for cheer as it ensured that its four-Test tour of Germany would not end without a goal. India went down 1-2 in the rain-delayed fourth Test in Dusseldorf on Thursday, unable to stop a clean sweep by the home side. Ranked six places above India’s ninth, Germany won the earlier games 5-0, 1-0 and 2-0.
Goals by Naomi Heyn (26th minute) and Charlotte Stapenhorst (35th) put the Germans in the driving seat. After 20-year-old Lalremsiani beat goal-keeper Nathalie Kubalski, India applied pressure to find an equaliser. It forced a couple of gilt-edged chances in the 55th and 58th minutes but Nathalie Kubalski and Elisa Gräve denied the visiting side that joy.
There were some positives for the Indian side in the game, particularly its defence against penalty corners. Having conceded the first such set piece in the 10th minute, India was able to deflect Selin Oruz’s drive from harm’s way. The Germans had five other penalty corners but found success with one variation when Charlotte Stapenhorst made the most of a Selin Oruz pass.
Earlier, in the third quarter, a determined German attack created three successive penalty corners and India was able to stave off the pressure that Charlotte Stapenhorst created with her drives.
India would have liked to find some success with its sporadic attacks but those led to just one penalty corner in the first quarter, but the German goalkeeper Julia Sonntag distinguished herself with a smart save.
German coach Xavier Reckinger said his team was not sharp ahead of its Pro League games against the Netherlands in Amstelveen on Saturday and Sunday. “We spotted a number of issues that we have to and will work on in the coming months. I’m sure Holland will ask us a few more questions over the weekend that we will have to nibble on,” he was quoted as saying.
The Indian team has its work cut out. Returning to competitive play after a long break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, India is seeking the taste of victory, having lost four and drawn three matches on its tour of Argentina in January this year. It will be interesting to hear coach Sjoerd Marijne’s views on the state of the team ahead of the Olympic Games in Tokyo.
Photo: Lalremsiami (Courtesy: Hockey India)
