The Indian men’s hockey team started their final leg of the FIH Pro League season on Saturday as they put up a resilient performance to beat reigning World Champions Germany 3-0.
Germany failed to score a goal out of 12 PC’s as India was defensively composed.Goals by Harmanpreet Singh (16), Sukhjeet Singh (41) and Gurjant Singh (44) helped India begin their final leg of the prestigious league in the right stead.
There was plenty of action in the opening quarter, with both teams playing on par with each other. While Sukhjeet Singh and Mandeep Singh stood tall in the forwardline, creating some insatiable chances, the team’s experience Inced goalkeeper PR Sreejesh was put through the hard yards, with the Germans winning a flurry of PCs in the opening minutes. But Sreejesh proved just why he remains the cynosure of India’s defense. The save he made off Gonzalo Peillat’s powerful flick, putting his right hand up high, was definitely a joyous moment for India fans.
Starting the second quarter with the scoreboard reading 0-0, India made the first breakthrough, thanks to the skipper Harmanpreet Singh, who was on-target, aiming to the left of German keeper Alexander Stadler. Yet another quick reflex right-hand save by the Talisman meant India would go into the half-time break with a narrow 1-0 lead.
The third quarter was crucial for India to extend their lead, and they did exactly that. They dominated with
India towards the circle, only to find Abhishek. Dribbling the ball past German defenders Abhishek showed brilliant 3D skills, only to pass the ball back to Sukhjeet, who came up with a fine finish. Three minutes later, Gurjant Singh scored India’s third goal after a superb assist by Jarmanpreet Sing.
With a comfortable lead, India looked to end the game on a high in the fourth quarter.
The Indian men’s team will take on Great Britain on their next match day on Sunday.