India produced a superb display to defeat reigning world champions Germany 3-1 in the FIH Pro League on Wednesday, marking a memorable occasion for veteran midfielder Manpreet Singh.
The 33-year-old featured in his 413th international match, becoming India’s most-capped hockey player. With the appearance, Manpreet moved past former India captain and current Hockey India president Dilip Tirkey, who represented the nation 412 times during his illustrious career.
India took control early and carried a 2-0 lead into halftime. Mandeep Singh opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Shilanand Lakra doubled the advantage six minutes later. Nilakanta Sharma added a third goal in the 35th minute, with all three Indian strikes coming from open play.
Germany found it difficult to create clear opportunities and did not earn their first penalty corner until just over five minutes before the break. That chance, along with another during a period when India were temporarily down to 10 players, was expertly defended as India maintained their grip on the contest and carried a deserved two-goal lead into halftime.
Five minutes into the third quarter, India extended their advantage after another costly German defensive mistake. Nilakanta capitalised with a brilliant run into the circle before beating the goalkeeper to make it 3-0.
Germany eventually pulled one back with just 20 seconds left in the quarter when Tom Grambusch drove the ball into the circle and Raphael Hartkopf was perfectly placed to steer a backhand deflection into the net.
Germany withdrew their goalkeeper with three minutes remaining in an attempt to spark a late comeback and came close to scoring again when Hartkopf connected with a chance but sent his effort over the crossbar. The visitors earned one final penalty corner in the closing moments, but India’s defence, outstanding throughout the match, held firm to secure a thoroughly deserved victory.
“I think the team played really, really well. All the 18 were really in nice form. We knew what we were doing and our structure was really good and we knew that we had to finish stronger and that’s what we did… Manpreet is a legend. He’s just an inspiration for all of us. Hats off to him,” said India’s Hardik Singh who won Player of the Match award.
The victory came after India’s 2-3 defeat to Olympic champions the Netherlands on June 14. The two teams will face each other again on Thursday in the second match of the double-header.
With FIH & PTI Inputs
