Indian hockey team loses 0-2 to Germany in first Test of two-match series
- This loss puts India at a 0-1 disadvantage in the two-match series. Henrik Mertgens scored in the 4th minute, followed by a goal from Captain Lukas Windfeder in the 30th minute.
The Indian men’s hockey team suffered a setback in their first Test against world champions Germany, losing 0-2 at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.
With this defeat, India concedes a 0-1 lead in the two-match series.
Germany, the reigning Olympic silver medalists, made an immediate impact on the scoreboard. Henrik Mertgens opened the scoring in the 4th minute. And, Captain Lukas Windfeder doubled the lead with a goal in the 30th minute, leaving India with a challenging task for the remainder of the game.
India started slowly in their matchup against Germany, which took the lead just four minutes in due to defensive errors. Despite earning multiple penalty corners, including a missed opportunity by skipper Harmanpreet, India struggled to convert chances. Germany scored their second goal just before halftime, leading 2-0 after a penalty corner by skipper Windfeder.
In the second half, India continued yet again failed to capitalize on their penalty corners, with Harmanpreet missing two key chances. A counter-attack from Germany resulted in a save by Indian goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak.
In a last-ditch effort, India withdrew their goalkeeper for an extra field player, but it did not change the outcome, leaving India unable to score as the match ended in a 2-0 defeat.
This match marked the return of international hockey to the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium for the first time since 2014.
The second Test is scheduled for Thursday, and India aim to level the series.
Indian team's focus with new core group
Ahead of the two-Test series against world champions Germany, Indian men’s hockey team coach Craig Fulton expressed his commitment to building a new core group of players, targeting the 2026 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Fulton emphasized the importance of integrating youth into the team, handing debuts to midfielder Rajinder Singh and striker Aditya Arjun Lagale. He also recalled seasoned players Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh, aiming to strike a balance between fresh talent and established experience.
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Coach Fulton focuses on future
“From now to the World Cup and from the World Cup to LA, we are opening up selection to form a new core group that will lead us forward,” Fulton stated at a pre-match press conference. He underscored the significance of the upcoming matches against a top-tier team like Germany, asserting, “It is always important to play Test matches; it is a test of where you are.”
Fulton acknowledges tactical challenges
Regarding the relevance of Test series, Fulton firmly believes that facing quality opponents is beneficial for the team's growth. “We hope to get two good results on home soil,” he remarked.
Fulton acknowledged the tactical challenges posed by the opposition, stating, “Germany poses a lot of threats; they are good tactically and in man-to-man marking. Our strategy will have to adapt.”
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Business NewsSportsSports NewsIndian hockey team loses 0-2 to Germany in first Test of two-match series
First Published:23 Oct 2024, 05:26 PM IST
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