India recorded a 1-1 draw in a friendly match against Germany on Tuesday night in the second of their four-game Europe tour.
The European side was beaten 6-1 by India in the first match of the tour. The results so far have augured well for India in the Olympic year.
Jarmanpreet Singh netted the lead for the men in blue in the first quarter for India on Tuesday, while the Germans balanced the lead by a penalty corner just before the half-time break.
A fast start…
India began the match on the front foot and raised critical questions about Germany’s defence. Hardik Singh secured a penalty corner for India in the 14th minute, and Jarmanpreet made no mistake in penetrating the net with a slap shot.
Riding high on optimism after Sunday’s victory, India played with a lot of passion and purpose. Graham Reid’s men created several scoring chances and were just narrowly stopped, by a well organised German defence, from increasing to their lead. Yet India retained possession and showed some great tactical awareness, not allowing the Germans to settle down.
Hardik was the live wire of the attack, forcing the German keeper into a succession of saves.
However, against the run of the contest, the hosts secured a penalty corner just before half-time, and Martin Haner netted with aplomb.
The German resistance
In the final quarter, the Indians battled intently, but the German resistance slowed down the pace of the game. The Honamas defensemen were forced to be vigilant as India continued to be on the offensive.
Rio 2016 Bronze Medalists Germany waited for their chance to counter and captured two straight penalty corners in the final minutes of the game.
The Indian defence did, however, nullify the attack with conviction. Both efforts were blocked, and the scoreline stood intact at full time
India will face Great Britain on Saturday, March 6, at 6:30 p.m. IST.
