India loses to Germany

KUALA LUMPUR, AUG. 3. A new look experimental Indian side lost 0- 2, against a formidable Germany in its second league match of the Sultan Azlan Shah hockey tournament here on Friday.

India, which had drawn 2-2 with host Malaysia in its opener, waged a grim battle against Germany before conceding full three points.

The Germans scored a goal in each half to open its campaign on a winning note. For the winner, Oliver Domke and Timo Wess were the goal scorers.

India gave a much improved display but once again muffed some easy chances, while its rival capitalised on the chances that came its way.

Germans opened the game on a very attacking note and in the 4th minute achieved the breakthrough, even before the Indians could settle down.

The winner caught the Indian defence totally off guard as it attacked from the centre and before the Indians could get their act together, Oliver Domke had breached the wall and with a powerful flick beat the goal keeper Devesh.

The Indians regrouped within 10 minutes with Mukesh Kumar, Deepak Thakur, Sabu Varkey and Daljit Dhillon raiding the German half but the German defence kept them away. Varkey was in possession of the ball on few occasions but could not force the moves. Mukesh Kumar impressed as he ducked the German defenders with ease but Thakur could not keep pace with him.

India had its first penalty corner in the 29th minute but could not convert. As the teams came back from break with Germany leading 1-0, it was evident that Germany was now determined to slow the pace of the game, keeping in mind its tough encounter against Australia on Saturday.

With the ball mostly in Germans possession, they restricted the Indian forwards from making any forays. Germany scored in the 61st minute off its fourth penalty corner when Timo Wess smashed the ball off a opening high into the right hand corner of the net.

With barely ten seconds from the hooter, India earned its second penalty corner but Tirkey's hard drive saw the ball inches past the right hand post. Germany now has three points, while India has one.

Germany plays Australia on Sunday, while India plays arch-rival Pakistan on Sunday.

- PTI

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Section  : Sport
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