Relevance for World Cup classification matches is a matter of perspective. For this Indian women’s team, which suffered a heart-breaking exit in its push for a semifinal berth, a best-ever finish since the inaugural 1974 edition was at stake.
Having picked itself up to go again, this side earned itself a small piece of history by finishing fifth with a 3-1 win over Germany here at the Wagener Stadion on Thursday.
It was a counter-attacking clinic as goals from Ishika and Navneet Kaur in the second half subdued the world no. 5 ranked side.
Starting the tournament ranked ninth, Sjoerd Marijne’s India has exceeded expectations in the Netherlands, pulling off draws against China (ranked 4th), England (7th) and Australia (8th) to add to this result.
It will now head into the Asian Games next month, confident of challenging for the gold.
After a passive start, Germany came alive in the second quarter, making multiple circle entries without threatening India’s goal. But it was India which shaded Germany for attempts on goal, when Navneet’s powerful backhanded drive drew a save from Finja Starck. Salima Tete was alive to a couple of rebounds but Starck kicked them both out.
Germany continued to dominate possession for majority of the game, but the Indian defense, which included tournament debutant, Lalthantluangi, held firm.
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne brings the team together after the final whistle, reminding them of everything they have achieved and the journey they've shared. 🏑A historic campaign, a special group, and plenty to be proud of. 🇮🇳🔥#HockeyIndia#IndiaKaGame#HWC2026pic.twitter.com/UXpXaiGV6T— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 27, 2026
Chief Coach Sjoerd Marijne brings the team together after the final whistle, reminding them of everything they have achieved and the journey they've shared. 🏑A historic campaign, a special group, and plenty to be proud of. 🇮🇳🔥#HockeyIndia#IndiaKaGame#HWC2026pic.twitter.com/UXpXaiGV6T
Then, against the run of play, India opened the scoring after Neha slipped a through ball for Ishika, who composed herself before lifting the ball past Starck for her first World Cup goal.
India found plenty of joy through Germany’s centre, repeatedly catching its defense out on the counter. After having gone three games without a goal, India suddenly scored three in the space of four minutes.
After going cold from PCs in previous outings, Navneet struck from India’s second short corner before she added another with a cool flick into the roof of the net from another turnover.
Some moments say it all. ❤️Bichu Devi Kharibam, Savita, Navneet Kaur and Sushila Chanu share a heartfelt moment after the final whistle, standing by each other through every high and low, that's the spirit of this team. 🇮🇳#HockeyIndia#IndiaKaGame#HWC2026pic.twitter.com/aEzXTmYerI— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 27, 2026
Some moments say it all. ❤️Bichu Devi Kharibam, Savita, Navneet Kaur and Sushila Chanu share a heartfelt moment after the final whistle, standing by each other through every high and low, that's the spirit of this team. 🇮🇳#HockeyIndia#IndiaKaGame#HWC2026pic.twitter.com/aEzXTmYerI
Germany persevered in the last stretch with Savita Punia needing to pull off a couple of key saves, but she couldn’t keep out Lynn Krings’ effort with 67 seconds left on the clock.
The result: India 3 (Ishika 42, Navneet Kaur 43-PC, 46) bt Germany 1 ( Lynn Krings 58).
