Bhubaneswar: India bounced back in style in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 (Men) with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over reigning World Champions Germany at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Wednesday. Gurjant Singh (4′) scored the only goal of the match, as India climbed to seventh place in the standings, securing their second win of the season.
The victory was a strong response from India, who had suffered a 4-1 defeat to Germany in their previous match on Tuesday. Led by Captain Harmanpreet Singh, the Indian defence stood firm, frustrating the Germans and ensuring a crucial win.
Early Breakthrough for India
India made a bright start, pressing high and looking for an early lead. Their efforts paid off just four minutes into the match, when Gurjant Singh scored in back-to-back games.
The goal came after Rajinder Singh sent a precise ball into the circle, aiming for Mandeep Singh, who forced a save from German goalkeeper Alexander Stadler. However, Stadler failed to clear the loose ball, allowing an unmarked Gurjant to dive in and sweep it into an open net.
India’s Tactical Masterclass in Defence
With an early lead, India adopted a half-court press, looking to contain Germany’s attack while waiting for opportunities to strike on the counter.
Germany nearly equalized when Thies Prinz showcased his 3D skills to beat multiple Indian defenders, but Krishan Bahadur Pathak made a brilliant save, swatting the shot away before Florian Sperling scooped the rebound over the goal.
Germany won their first penalty corner in the final seconds of the opening quarter, but Gonzalo Peillat’s drag-flick went wide, allowing India to end the quarter 1-0 ahead.
India Holds Firm Against Germany’s Attacks
Germany dominated possession in the second quarter, but India’s disciplined defence kept them at bay. Suraj Karkera, who replaced Pathak in goal, was rarely troubled, as India forced Germany into wide areas and difficult shooting positions.
On the other end, India remained dangerous on the counter. Shilanand Lakra, Nilam Sanjeep Xess, and Raj Kumar Pal tested Stadler, forcing the German goalkeeper into action. India earned three penalty corners in the final minute of the half, but the German defence held firm, keeping the score 1-0 at halftime.
Germany came out with renewed intensity in the third quarter, but Pathak produced a stunning reflex save to deny Prinz in the 32nd minute. Peillat’s powerful penalty corner attempt was also kept out by Pathak’s quick footwork, preventing Germany from leveling the match.
India had a golden opportunity to double their lead towards the end of the quarter, but Stadler pulled off an incredible double save, denying Sukhjeet Singh and Vivek Sagar Prasad in quick succession.
Germany’s Late Push Falls Short
The final quarter saw Germany ramp up the pressure, desperate for an equalizer. They won a penalty corner in the 46th minute, but Karkera stood tall to deny Peillat once again. India then won a penalty corner of their own, but Amit Rohidas sent his drag-flick wide.
With just five minutes remaining, Germany pushed forward aggressively. They won a penalty corner with four minutes to go, but Harmanpreet successfully used India’s review to overturn the decision.
In a final roll of the dice, Germany pulled their goalkeeper Stadler for an extra outfield player and won four consecutive penalty corners in the dying minutes. However, India’s defence, led by Karkera, remained rock solid, blocking every German attempt to secure a memorable 1-0 victory.
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