New Delhi: India came up with a spirited performance to draw with Olympic champions Germany 3-3 and register their first win at the Hockey World League Finals here on Monday.
India left behind the memories of their opening two defeats against England (0-2) and New Zealand (1-3) and dished out a much-better display to hold the world number one opponents to a draw at the floodlit Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium.
Unlike their previous two games, the Indians looked far more organised and coordinated against the reigning Olympic champions and were the better side throughout the match.
The Indians deservingly took the lead in the 19th minute when Raghunath’s hit in from outside the circle went inside the goal after getting a deflection from a German defender.
Germany, however, drew level in the 24th minute from their second penalty corner which was perfectly converted by Martin Haner.
India, thereafter, earned two more penalty corners in quick succession and Rupinder scored from the second opportunity with a powerful grounded flick to give the home team a 2-1 lead at the halfway mark.
The Germans, however, drew parity in the 41st minute courtesy an own goal from the hosts.
Despite the equaliser, India continued to press hard with relentless attacking forays. Their efforts bore fruit in the 52nd minute when Dharamvir Singh scored from a rebound after Raghunath’s flick was saved by Jessulat from the hosts’ fourth penalty corner.
As always has been the case, some last minute lapse of concentration from the Indian defence resulted in the equaliser for Germany.
Thilo Stralkowski saved Germany from defeat by slotting home from close range in the 68th minute after captain Sardar Singh failed to make an easy clearance inside the circle.
With just one point from three games, India finished at the bottom of Pool A and will now take on Pool B toppers Australia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday, while second-placed Germany will face third-ranked team of Pool B, the Netherlands, in the last eight stage.
An impressive England spanked New Zealand 5-1 to finish on top of Pool A, while Australia thrashed Argentina 6-1 to emerge as the leaders in Pool B.
England will play the bottom-placed team of Pool B, Belgium, in the quarterfinals.
“We did several things better today. We were trying to improve in different areas. We played better against a quality opponent like Germany,” India coach Terry Walsh said at the post-match press conference.
“We were fighting to give us an opportunity to play against Argentina which didn’t materialise. We played with much more authority and quality. The defence was very well organised,” he added. (PTI)