The game for the world No. 4, coming off the back of two previous wins against reigning world champions Germany (3-2) and world No. 4 Australia (5-4), lifted them from world No. 6 in the updated FIH world rankings. on March 12, India unleashed their attacking skills to hand Germany their second defeat on the trot.
However, Germany was in charge at the start of the game. The guests took the lead with a goal in the 3rd minute of the game. Tom Grambusch converted a penalty after an infringement by India in the penalty area. Although an early setback slowed India’s pace, they maintained a good structure to bounce back in the next quarter.
Just five minutes into the second quarter, Vishnukant helped India win their first PC of the match. Abhishek’s fine injection and Vivek Sagar Prasad’s perfect stop was impressively received by Yugraj Singh, who made his India debut during the FIH Professional Hockey League last year. He kept the ball low, straightening the center board of the goalpost to take the shot to the T, giving India the much-needed breakthrough.
The equalizer set the pace for India’s attack as they scored their second goal in the very next minute. This time it was Harmanpreet’s overhead pass which was brilliantly collected by Abhishek who charged into the circle and fired past German keeper Alexander Stadler. There were three more goals in this quarter.
It was Gonzalo Peillat who equalized in the 23rd minute with a brilliant header. A minute later, Sukhjeet Singh assisted Selvam Karthi who scored India’s third goal. They extended the lead to 4-2 when Harmanpreet successfully converted a PC awarded after a dangerous play by the referee when Harmanpreet sent an over the top pass to Sumit near the circle.
Attempting a comeback in the third quarter, Germany scored in the 31st minute through Malte Helwig to cut India’s lead to 4-3. India were calm and defended well in this quarter, with new goalkeeper Pawa making some excellent saves to keep his team in the game.
The home side came out on top in the final quarter as long and accurate passes created edge-of-the-seat attacking formations that pierced the German defence. Dilpreet Singh’s cross to Sukhjeet set up India’s 5th goal in the 46th minute. Sukhjit’s unselfish pass to Karthi, who got a perfect deflection off the post, put the pressure on Germany. Five minutes later, Jarmanpreet Singh’s goal from Abhishek sealed India’s third straight win in the ongoing home matches of the prestigious league.
It was India’s fifth outright win in seven matches in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2022/23 season. They started this prestigious league season with 4-3 and 7-4 wins against New Zealand, followed by a 2-3 loss at home in October and a 2-2 (3-1 SO) win against Spain. November of last year.