It was agreed that a shootout would determine the series winner after both sides won one game each in the two-match series, and Germany prevailed 3-1.
Craig Fulton must have said something at halftime that totally changed the course of the match, even if he claimed he wasn’t upset.
India appeared listless, much like they did in their 0–2 defeat to Germany on Wednesday. On Thursday, Germany had a 1-0 lead at halftime.
However, India returned from the half with renewed energy and scored four goals in the third quarter. At the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here, they defeated Germany 5-3 in the second and final Test after adding another in the last quarter.
After a swift counterattack, Germany drew first blood in the seventh minute. From the left, Abhishek had made a circle entry, but his attempt on goal was unsuccessful. At this point, Elian Mazkour was hit by the Germans.
To the elation of the 11,000 spectators, however, India came out of halftime prepared to battle. India captain Harmanpreet Singh (42nd, 43rd) took the home team the lead, but Sukhjeet Singh (34th, 48th) immediately brought the score level in the third quarter.
The equalizer came from a fantastic deflection of Shilanand Lakra’s backhand ball to Sukhjeet inside the circle. As Harmanpreet scored through a series of penalty corners, the goal gave India the boost they needed.
Similar to the first Test, Harmanpreet gave other India penalty corner (PC) experts a chance to sound the boards, but none of the variations worked, and Sanjay, Amit Rohidas, and Nilam Sanjeep Xess were unsuccessful.
Then, Harmanpreet made the bold decision to score, which he accomplished expertly. Jean-Paul Danneberg, the German goalie, was hit by his shots like bullets.
After eluding four German defenders, India striker and Olympic sensation Abhishek scored a spectacular single-handed goal in the 45th minute to make it 4-1. Early in the last quarter, Sukhjeet ended a solo run by putting the ball past Danneberg to make it 5-1.
“We were performing well. In the first half, our turnover figures were excellent. We simply couldn’t locate the objective. However, the pressure was beneficial. The pressing was successful. Fulton added, “It was good to score some field goals.
Mazkour’s second goal in the 57th minute added to the exciting action. In the final minute, Henrik Mertgens gave Germany their third goal.
It was against a decent team, and it was very, really good. Sport was simply what we were able to do today that we were unable to do yesterday. Sometimes I’m not sure how it works. It doesn’t happen when you want it to. It comes in abundance when you least expect it,” Fulton added.
Yesterday, we performed well, although it wasn’t precise. After that, we had a lot of energy today, played brilliantly, and scored some excellent goals. The younger players made a contribution. Thus, that was also beneficial.
It was determined that a shootout would determine the series winner after both sides won one game each in the two-match series, which Germany won 3-1.
After yesterday’s game, we thoroughly examined our opponents and made an effort to reduce mistakes. I am pleased with the team’s performance. Although we were successful in field goals and PC attacks, we were unable to win the series, Harmanpreet, who was also named Player of the Match, stated.
Aditya Arjun Lalage of Maharashtra made his debut, Sumit played his 150th international match, while Amit Rohidas played his 200th.
After more than 21 months away from the Indian women’s hockey squad, Rani Rampal, one of the most inspirational figures in Indian hockey, announced on Thursday that she was ending her lengthy career.