FIH Men's Hockey Pro League: Gurjant Singh's Goal Secures Narrow Win for India Over Germany
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Synopsis
On February 19, India achieved a narrow 1-0 victory against Germany in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25, thanks to Gurjant Singh's goal. The match showcased a strong defensive effort from India, enabling them to bounce back from a prior defeat.
Key Takeaways
- Gurjant Singh scored the winning goal for India.
- India's defense, led by Harmanpreet Singh, was exceptional.
- India responded well after a previous loss to Germany.
- Krishan Bahadur Pathak made crucial saves to maintain the lead.
- India climbed to seventh in the standings with this victory.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (NationPress) India secured their second victory in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Men) on Wednesday, triumphing over the World Champions Germany with a score of 1-0 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar.
Gurjant Singh netted the sole goal of the match, propelling India to seventh place in the standings.
This victory was a commendable response from India following their 4-1 defeat to Germany on Tuesday. The Indian defense, led by Captain Harmanpreet Singh, demonstrated a strong performance to clinch this crucial win.
India took an early lead just four minutes into the match, with Gurjant Singh scoring for the second consecutive game.
Rajinder Singh passed the ball into the circle, aiming for Mandeep Singh to score. Although Mandeep's shot was saved by Alexander Stadler, the German goalkeeper failed to clear the rebound. An unmarked Gurjant swooped in to tap the ball into the unguarded net.
Employing a half-court press, India sought to defend their lead while capitalizing on any German errors. Germany nearly equalized when Thies Prinz showcased remarkable skills to evade defenders. However, Krishan Bahadur Pathak made a crucial save against Prinz's attempt, and Florian Sperling sent the loose ball over the goal.
Germany earned the first penalty corner with just 46 seconds left in the quarter, but Gonzalo Peillat's drag-flick went wide, leaving the first quarter at 1-0 in India's favor.
As the second quarter progressed, India chose to sit deeper, forcing Germany to probe for avenues to penetrate the circle. Suraj Karkera, who replaced Pathak during the second quarter, was seldom tested.
India generated better chances during counter-attacks, with Shilanand Lakra, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Raj Kumar Pal challenging Stadler. India earned three penalty corners in the final minute, but the German defense ensured they entered halftime trailing by just a single goal.
Germany began the third quarter with increased urgency, requiring an instinctive save from Pathak to deny Prinz in the 32nd minute. Pathak was called upon again shortly afterward, executing a superb foot save against Peillat's penalty corner.
India had a significant opportunity to extend their lead towards the end of a tightly contested third quarter; however, Stadler made an incredible double save to thwart Sukhjeet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad.
The Indian defense faced pressure early in the fourth quarter when Germany secured a penalty corner in the 46th minute. Karkera effectively saved Peillat's drag-flick. India received a penalty corner two minutes later, but Amit Rohidas sent his drag-flick wide.
With time running out, Germany increased their efforts in the last five minutes. The World Champions won a penalty corner with four minutes remaining, but Captain Harmanpreet successfully reviewed the call to overturn the decision.
Germany subsequently replaced Stadler with an additional outfield player as they pursued a late equalizer. The Germans had four consecutive penalty corners but were met with a steadfast Indian defense, led by Karkera.
India maintained their composure, preventing Germany from scoring and securing their second victory of the season.
