NEW DELHI: The Indian Men’s Hockey Team suffered a 2-0 defeat against reigning World Champions and Olympic Silver Medallists Germany in the opening match of the PFC India vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series 2024, held today at the iconic Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Germany’s goals came from Henrik Mertgens (4’) and Lukas Windfeder (30’). The match also marked the debut of Rajinder Singh for the Indian team.
Germany struck early, with Mertgens capitalizing on a loose ball in India’s shooting circle to beat goalkeeper Krishan Pathak and put the visitors ahead. As India struggled to gain control, Germany pressed forward, pushing India into their own half. Midway through the first quarter, India managed to break through the German high press and earned a penalty corner, but Varun Kumar was unable to find the equalizer. Germany regained control and ended the quarter 1-0.
India dominated possession in the second quarter, pressing Germany hard in search of an equalizer. This pressure resulted in three penalty corners, but Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, and Harmanpreet Singh all failed to convert. India was awarded a penalty stroke just before halftime, but German goalkeeper Joshua Onyekwue Nnaji saved Harmanpreet’s attempt. In the final minute of the half, Germany earned a penalty corner, and Lukas Windfeder doubled their lead, beating goalkeeper Suraj Karkera.
In the third quarter, India increased the intensity, but Germany’s defense remained solid. India earned another penalty corner, but Nnaji once again denied Harmanpreet’s flick. Germany quickly countered, but Krishan Pathak deflected Benedikt Schwarzhaupt’s shot. India responded with a quick counter-attack, but Harmanpreet’s reverse shot hit the side netting.
Germany continued to push for a third goal in the final quarter, but Amit Rohidas thwarted their efforts. India controlled possession but struggled to create clear chances, and the match ended 2-0 in Germany’s favor.
After the match, Indian captain Harmanpreet Singh reflected on the team’s performance and laid out their future objectives. He emphasized the need to focus on upcoming tournaments, stating, “Our main target is the Pro League. If we perform well there, we can qualify for the World Cup. Following that, we’ll shift our focus to the Asia Cup.”
Looking ahead, Singh also expressed confidence in experimenting with player combinations in the remaining matches of the series. “It’s the right time to try out players, and we will continue to do that tomorrow as well,” he said. Singh aims to use these matches to refine the team’s strategies and enhance their performance as they prepare for the challenges ahead in international competitions.