India put up a spirited fight to defeat Germany 5-3 in the second match of the two-game test series at the Major Dhyan Chand Hockey Stadium. Despite this victory, Germany secured the series after winning the shootout in the end. Earlier, Germany won the match 2-0 on Wednesday. India’s captain, Harmanpreet Singh, was awarded the player of the match.
Germany Strikes First
Germany began the match on the front foot, scoring an early goal in the 6th minute through Mazkour, as India struggled to break through the German defence. Germany dominated possession in the opening quarter, and despite India earning a few penalty corners, they couldn’t capitalise. The first half ended with Germany leading 1-0.
India’s brilliant comeback
India came alive in the third quarter, turning the game on its head. Captain Harmanpreet Singh led the charge with two goals from penalty corners, while Sukhjeet and Abhishek added two field goals to put India ahead 4-1 by the end of the quarter. In the fourth quarter, Sukhjeet Singh puts the ball again behind the net, making it 5-1.
Germany’s late push
Germany mounted a late comeback in the fourth quarter, scoring their second and third goal and reducing the deficit to 5-3. India faced more pressure when Sumit received a yellow card, leaving them a player short for the final moments. Despite the late push, India’s defence held strong to secure a well-earned victory.
Shootout Drama: India Prevails, But Series Slips Away
With the series tied at one win each, the winner was decided via a shootout. In the intense penalty shootout, Germany struck first with Florian scoring past Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, giving Germany a 1-0 lead. India’s captain Harmanpreet Singh missed his shot, leaving India trailing. Mazkour then failed to score for Germany, keeping the scoreline at 1-0. Abhishek responded for India with a rebound goal to level it, but after a German review, the goal was controversially disallowed.
Hasbach missed his attempt for Germany, but Poljaric made no mistake, pushing Germany’s lead to 2-0. Aditya then scored India’s first goal, surviving a German referral, reducing the gap to 2-1. However, Hellwig’s final strike sealed the victory for Germany, who won the shootout 3-1, clinching the series despite India’s heroic effort.
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