India find their feet, hold Germany

Raipur, November 28

India put up a resolute performance to hold Olympics champions Germany 1-1 in their second match of the Hockey World League (HWL) Final here today.

Niklas Wellen’s fifth-minute strike was cancelled out by Akashdeep Singh in the 48th minute as the hosts came back strongly after a 0-3 thrashing in the opener against Argentina. It was Germany’s second consecutive draw after the Valentin Altenburg-coached side played a goalless draw on the first day against European champions Netherlands.

Germany, boosted by the return of captain Moritz Furste who was stretchered off during Friday’s game, started at a fast pace.

Aided by the power of attacking midfielder Christopher Ruhr and centre-half Tobias Hauke, they controlled the proceedings.

Timor Oruz entered the circle from the left, dodging past Rupinderpal Singh and Birendra Lakra before passing it to an unmarked Wellen, who tapped into an open goal.

The momentum continued as Hauke later fed Oruz for a fierce backhand at goalkeeper PR Sreejesh, who blocked and it fell near Oliver Korn but his shot was wayward.

India gathered steam in the latter part of the second quarter as a brilliant build-up play from skipper Sardar Singh saw Akashdeep’s ferocious backhand strike saved with equal brilliance by goalkeeper Andreas Spack. Manpreet also got a good opportunity but wasted it with a lethargic drive that didn’t help Akashdeep, who was lurking in front of the goal post. Trailing 0-1, the Indians seemed more determined after the lemon break as they moved forward in search of the equaliser.

Chinglesana Singh played the ball into the legs of a defender, earning the first penalty corner. Rupinder’s flick was deflected on to the post and the rebound fell near Ramandeep, who showed a lot of impatience before the Germans cleared it.

Established German defenders Martin Zwicker and Martin Haner were on the ball at all times and used the aerial route to good effect by playing it to Hauke.

The crowd had to wait for 48 minutes for the home team to score as once again the combination of Manpreet and Akashdeep did wonders for Roelant Oltmans-coached India. Manpreet charged ahead and set it up for Akashdeep, who hit a reverse stick drive for the equaliser.

Germany replied with a quick counter-attack and were rewarded with a penalty corner that was saved admirably by Sreejesh.

India play the Netherlands on Monday.

In the other matches of the day, Australia beat Belgium 1-0, while Britain overpowered Canada 3-1. A solitary goal from veteran Jamie Dwyer was enough for the reigning world champions Australia to defeat Belgium. The 36-year-old fired home from a tight angle in the 22nd minute to give the Aussies victory.

Meanwhile, Simon Mantell scored twice in Britain’s win over Canada. — IANS

Results 

• India dr Germany 1-1
• Britain bt Canada 3-1
• Australia bt Belgium 1-0
• Netherlands bt Argentina 3-2

Today’s matches

• Belgium v Canada (6.30pm) 
• Australia v Britain (8.30pm)

Live on Star Sport 1