The last time India and Germany met, the Indian women produced a result that could provide plenty of confidence ahead of their Hockey World Cup fifth-sixth place classification match on Thursday.
India defeated Germany 1-0 in the FIH Pro League last year, securing its first victory over Germany in regulation time in 10 years. Deepika scored the only goal of the game in the 12th minute, converting India’s first penalty corner and giving her side an early lead.
Germany had opportunities to respond, but India’s defence stood firm. Goalkeeper Bichu Devi was particularly impressive, producing a series of important saves from both Penalty Corners and open play. In midfield, India’s players repeatedly disrupted Germany’s rhythm, winning possession, battling for space and cutting off attacking avenues.
India also had chances to extend its advantage. The best came in the 24th minute when Sharmila Devi found herself unmarked in a one-on-one situation, only to shoot straight at the German goalkeeper. Despite missing opportunities to put the game beyond Germany’s reach, India managed to protect its narrow lead until the final whistle.
The victory was especially significant for India because it came against a German side that had traditionally been a difficult opponent. It also lifted India off the bottom of the Pro League table and gave the team three valuable points.
That result will be fresh in the minds of both teams when they meet again at the World Cup. India’s 1-0 win showed that Germany can be contained when India wins the midfield battle and remains disciplined defensively. For India, the challenge will be to reproduce that intensity on the World Cup stage, where a victory would secure fifth place and cap its campaign with its best finish since 1974, when it finished fourth.
Published on Aug 27, 2026
