India favourites against new-look German side

BHUBANESWAR, April 13: The Indian men’s hockey team would be looking to bank on experience and favourable home conditions when it takes on a new-look Germany with an aim to consolidate their lead atop the FIH Pro League standings.
India are currently on top with 21 points from 10 games, four clear of second-placed Germany, who have 17 points from eight games. But going into the first of the double-leg tie at the Kalinga Stadium here, the Indians would clearly start favourites in sultry conditions against a German team that comprises of 12 rookies in its roster.
With a half a dozen out of its 22-member squad making their senior debuts during the two matches on April 14 and 15, the visitors during these matches have decided to test youngsters ahead of next year’s World Cup and 2024 Paris Olympics.
The other reason behind Germany’s decision to field a young side is the unavailability of some of their regular players, who are busy with club matches back home.
That augurs well for the Indians, who come into the tie having defeated Netherlands 2-1 and then losing 1-3 against the same opponents in the shoot-out during the return leg at home.
Germany head coach Andre Henning admitted that coping with the weather would be their biggest task in the upcoming matches as they are coming from sub-zero temperature compared to the extreme humid conditions of Bhubaneswar. (PTI)