India resist German pressure to take home a 1-1 verdict in second hockey match

Krefeld (Germany), March 2: Jarmanpreet Singh’s powerful fourth-minute penalty corner conversion and some resolute defending saw the World No. 4 ranked Indian men’s hockey team finish with a 1-1 draw against Germany here on Tuesday.

The 6-1 victory for India on Sunday in the opening game upon return to competitive hockey after a long spell due to the Covid-19 pandemic raised expectations among its fans. However, the World No. 6 ranked home side steeled itself up for the challenge and had the greater share of the possession after equalising through a Martin Häner penalty corner late in the second quarter.

Chief Coach Graham Reid expressed satisfaction that the team could learn a lot from such a game. “This match was a good experience for our players. It was a tough match and the team worked hard. Both teams created opportunities and I believe we will learn a lot from this game,” Reid was quoted as saying by Hockey India.

He would be disappointed that India was unable to make capital of a 10-man German side for a while when the home team captain Tobias Hauke was made to cool his heels at the beginning of the second quarter. India’s counter-attack was kept in check by the Germans. The coach had reason to be pleased that Indian defended well despite increased pressure from the home side.

It was a good idea that the teams engaged in a penalty shoot-out after the deadlock in regulation time. Germany won that 5-3.

The Indian men’s team will now travel to Antwerp, Belgium, to play two games against Britain on March 6 and 8.

Earlier in the day, the Indian women’s team impressed in defence but could not stop Germany from winning its third consecutive game in the four-match series in Dusseldorf. World No 3 Germany won 2-0 through goals from Sonja Zimmermann (26’) and Franzisca Hauke (42’). India had lost the earlier matches 0-5 and 0-1.

Photo: Jarmanpreet Singh (right) celebrates his fourth-minute goal. (Photo Courtesy: Hockey India)