Sjoerd Marijne likened India’s counter-attacking display against Germany to tigers waiting patiently to pounce on its prey.
India’s approach worked to perfection as its direct play and speed helped it win 3-1 against world no. 5 ranked side, to seal historic fifth place finish.
“We knew we had so much speed, I think more than them. And we had to wait,’ the women’s team head coach Marijne told Sportstar. “Like Indian Tigers…a tiger waits in the bushes for his prey. You wait really long until the moment and you only need one moment. That is what we did today by being very patient.”
Three goals in the space of four minutes, including the goal from a counter for the opener from Ishika, in the second half set India on its way. After a three-game run without goals, which hurt the side against top sides, it was an improved performance, despite coming in a low-stake classification game. However, Marijne felt Germany had more quality than Australia, which held India to the goalless draw on Sunday to end its semifinal hunt.
“I think Germany is a top four team. It wouldn’t surprise me if they ended in the top four. I think they are even better than Australia with all respect to Australia because they did really well. But I think this is the way we performed today against them.
“In the practice matches [vs Germany] two weeks ago we didn’t win one match. We hardly created anything. So that was a big difference,” said the Dutchman, before adding, “So for us it was a lot at stake to be better and also heading to the Asian Games to show ourselves that we can do it.”
Several players spoke of the heartbreak of missing out on a semifinal berth and Marijne had a job in getting them mentally prepared to go again in three day’s time.
“The most important thing for us is that we accept that we wouldn’t play the semis or that we can change the past. But we have to use what happened, to ensure it doesn’t happen again. I told them that this is also a very big match and we need to take revenge on ourselves. We were not happy with the performance [vs Australia]. We wanted to play good hockey and I think that is what we did today,” said the 52-year-old.
In what is his second stint with the women’s team, Marijne felt the current squad has better quality and balance than the group which finished fourth in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
In what is his second stint with the women’s team, Sjoerd Marijne felt the current squad has better quality and balance than the group which finished fourth in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
| Photo Credit:
Hockey India
In what is his second stint with the women’s team, Sjoerd Marijne felt the current squad has better quality and balance than the group which finished fourth in the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
| Photo Credit:
Hockey India
“More of them speak English, I think the quality talent-wise is a little bit better than in 2021. We had more or less a lot of seniors but also experienced players. We didn’t have so much youth so that balance is now also very good. They really are pushing themselves and I think that is what I really like at the moment,” he said.
After testing spells under Janneke Schopman and Harendra Singh, Marijne has brought about renewed spirit and confidence back into the team. Several senior players, including Savita Punia and Navneet Kaur, have spoken about Marijne’s impact during his brief tenure since he took over in January this year.
“When I arrived I saw that they were not a unit and there was not enough discipline. I think the culture which was really good in 2021 wasn’t there. That is what we have brought back with the whole staff and I’m guiding that,” said Marijne.
Adding to the victory over Germany, India also pulled off draws against China, England and Australia – all ranked above India. While goal-scoring had been an issue against top sides, India conceded just six goals in six games – the joint-second best defensive record in the tournament.
India will now head into the Asian Games, starting September 18, aiming to replicate these performances in its bid to win gold.
“We have confidence and we want to perform. But the focus is on ourselves, not the opponents. It’s only on ourselves. That’s how we also did it this tournament,” said Marijne.
Published on Aug 28, 2026
