India drew with higher ranked Germany to 1-1 in their second match of the World Hockey League finals at the Sardar Vallabh Bhai International Stadium, Raipur just a few moments ago. It was a much-improved performance by the Indian team who played some excellent hockey in the entire match.
In the first quarter, India began on an attacking note as early in the 3rd minute which was well saved by the German goalkeeper. In the 5th-minute, defense laps cost India as Wellen scored an excellent field goal to give Germany a 1-0 lead. In the 9th minute Germany attacked but P Sreejesh made a brilliant save. At the end of first quarter, Germany led 1-0.
In the second quarter, India played with aggression. In the 3rd minute, India missed a chance of scoring a goal. In the 8th minute, Ragunath asked for a review of Germany player not being 5 m but India lost the review. In the 10th minute, India missed a golden chance of equalizing the score which was well saved by the German goalkeeper. At the end of 2nd quarter, Germany still led 1-0.
In the 3rd quarter, India earned the first penalty corner of the game in the 2nd minute. Rupinder Pal Singh shot was hit just inside the goal post and then Ramandeep was not able to hit the shot. India dominated the possession. In the 9th minute, Germany earned a penalty corner which was well saved by P Sreejesh. In the 15th minute, Germany attacked once more and P Sreejesh made another excellent save. In the last 11 seconds of the quarter, Ramandeep hit a shot which was well saved by German goalkeeper. At the end of third quarter, Germany still led 1-0.
In the 4th quarter, India missed another chance of scoring a goal. In the 3rd minute, India’s Manpreet Singh hit a shot and reverse flick from Akashdeep inside the “D” equaled the score at 1-1. In the 8th and 9th minute, Germany missed the chance of scoring a goal as the player inside the “D” was not able to trap the shot. India also got their fair chances in the 12th minute as the player was not able to trap the shot and also in the next minute India missed another chance of scoring a goal by Sardar Singh. At the end of the fourth quarter, the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
They will play their third match on 30th Nov with Netherlands.