India’s ineffective finishing resulted in a 0-2 loss to Germany at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium, despite having earned seven penalty corners and one penalty stroke. Head coach Craig Fulton believes the team performed well, but squandered opportunities and ‘came back to burn’ the home team. “We were not fluid at first. We generated enough chances, which was excellent, and we produced enough penalty corners, but if you don’t take your chances, they come back to haunt you, it was not to be upfront on Wednesday, but hopefully, we’ll get a win tomorrow,” Fulton remarked after the game.
“We played well until that point (Germany’s opening goal) and even in the second quarter we performed well, created 4-5 bends, and had one or two opportunities but if you ignore your opportunities then Germany will pounce,” Craig explained to IANS following the match.
The visitors won thanks to goals from Henrik Mertgens (4′) and Lukas Windfeder (30′) in the first half. Germany controlled early on, with Mertgens beating Indian goalie Krishan Pathak on a loose ball. Despite India’s efforts to defend, they were unable to capitalize on their opportunities, with Varun Kumar missing a key penalty corner.
In the second quarter, India applied increased pressure, gaining three penalty corners but failing to score. A penalty shot presented a perfect opportunity, but German goalkeeper Joshua Onyekwue Nnaji saved Harmanpreet Singh’s attempt. Just before halftime, Windfeder extended Germany’s lead with a stunning penalty corner kick.
In the third quarter, India increased their attacks, but Nnaji stayed steadfast in goal. Germany also presented a threat with fast countermeasures. In the last quarter, India maintained possession but was unable to produce clear chances, resulting in a goalless draw. Germany’s defense stood firm to secure the victory.