India Suffers Second Defeat in Hockey Pro League, Falls 1-4 to Germany

The Indian men’s hockey team suffered a 1-4 defeat against Germany in their third match of the ongoing Hockey Pro League on Tuesday (February 18). This marks their second loss in the tournament, following a 1-3 defeat to Spain in their opening game.  

Craig Fulton’s men had bounced back with a 2-0 win over Spain in their second outing but struggled again against the Germans, especially in converting penalty corners. Harmanpreet Singh was rested for the second consecutive match, and his absence was felt in India’s penalty corner conversions.   

Both teams started with a wide attacking strategy, aiming to stretch their opponents. However, clear goal-scoring opportunities were scarce until Germany took the lead in the seventh minute. Florian Sperling found the net after receiving a well-placed pass from Moritz Ludwig, giving coach Andre Henning’s team an early advantage.  

India responded quickly, with Gurjant Singh tapping in a close-range goal off an assist from Abhishek in the 13th minute. However, Germany struck back almost immediately. Thies Prinz capitalized on a lofted ball in the 14th minute, slotting it past Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak, restoring the lead for the Germans.  

India had a few more chances in the first half but failed to convert. Arshdeep Singh missed connecting with a cross from Rajinder Singh in the 24th minute, while Dilpreet Singh’s powerful strike in the 28th minute sailed over the crossbar.   

The second half saw India earning multiple penalty corners but failing to make them count. Amit Rohidas’ drag flick in the 33rd minute was blocked, and Sanjay’s follow-up lacked power. Another opportunity in the 39th minute was wasted when Jugraj Singh miscontrolled the ball at the top of the circle.  

Germany, on the other hand, remained clinical in their finishing. In the 48th minute, Michel Struthoff fired in a rebound after a penalty corner attempt by Gonzalo Peillat was stopped, extending Germany’s lead to 3-1.  

Moritz Ludwig’s brilliant solo run in the 55th minute resulted in another goal, sealing India’s fate with a 4-1 scoreline.  

This defeat exposes India’s ongoing struggle with penalty corner conversions and defensive lapses. With a rematch against Germany scheduled for Wednesday, Fulton’s men will need to regroup quickly and address their shortcomings to stay competitive in the Hockey Pro League.