India women seek winning finish and best Hockey World Cup result in 52 years

India's women's hockey team aims to secure a strong finish and their best result at the World Cup since 1974 in their upcoming fifth-place playoff against Germany. After just one loss in five games, victory over the higher-ranked two-time champions would provide the Indian team with much-needed momentum ahead of the Asian Games, where a gold medal will secure direct qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

India's coach, Sjoerd Marijne, is confident that the rest they had after their disappointing semifinal draw against Australia has helped them come together and focus on the upcoming match. The team has shown consistency and a solid defense throughout their campaign, with only a single defeat to the Netherlands. Captain Salima Tete has been instrumental in driving the team forward, while the defense has remained compact under pressure.

Germany, ranked fifth in the world, will present a different challenge, having beaten India in two practice matches. Their coach, Janneke Schopman, knows the Indian players well, having previously worked with their head coach Marijne.