Volvo U21 hockey invitational: Indian women hold Germany 4-4

Indian women’s hockey team during practice. [Image credits: Hockey India]

Breda (Netherlands), July 22 (IANS)

After their 0-1 defeat against Netherlands, India came back strongly against Germany on Tuesday to draw 4-4 in the Volvo Invitational women's Under-21 hockey tournament.

The game displayed a set of fearless performances where both the teams were looking to counter the opponent's attack.

It was Germany who drew its first blood in the tenth minute when captain Elisia Grave scored the first goal for the team. Germany was seen dominating the Indian side without wasting another minute when a field goal was scored by Kira Horn to double the lead by 2-2 in the tenth minute itself.

After the two early jolts, India went in full throttle, and Renuka Yadav broke the shackles in the 14th minute through a field effort. However, the German girls made clever attempts to capitalize on the opportunities but failed to net the ball.

India was now seen on the front foot playing with full strength and it was through the stick of Anupa Barla who smacked the ball hard in the 17th minute by utilising the penalty corner to equalise the game to 2-2.

It was Jaspreet Kaur who struck the goal post in the 41st minute to take the lead at 3-2.

Germany stood successful and scored an equaliser through Tessa Margot Schubert in the 54th minute. India switched on its attacking mode and scored its fourth goal through the brilliant efforts of Lilima Minz in the 56th minute and advanced the lead to 4-3.

Continuing with their quick moves, India got a penalty corner but failed to convert it before the polished defence of Germany. Germany did not disappoint its hope and came back into the game when Anne Winter scored a leveller in the 68th minute through a penalty stroke which ended the match with a 4-4 draw.

India will now clash against China on Wednesday.