India, Aug. 27 -- The Indian women's hockey team signed off from the World Cup on a high, defeating world No. 5 Germany 3-1 in the 5th-6th classification playoff in Amstelveen on Thursday.

The result secured the team fifth place, their best finish at the quadrennial showpiece since the inaugural edition in 1974 when they finished fourth.

After a goalless first-half, India produced a superb attacking display in the third quarter, scoring twice through Navneet Kaur and once through Ishika Chaudhary to seal a memorable win.

The match began with both teams adopting a cautious approach although Germany enjoyed more possession. Both sides managed to enter the circle but struggled to produce clean shots.

World No. 5 Germany earned their firs...