India lack punch as German win series

India lack punch as German win series
Press trust of india

Chennai, March 4 : Germany won the three-Test hockey series against India when they downed the hosts 2-1 in the third and final match here today.

India led 1-0 at half time through a 19th minute Deepak Thakur goal. But the Germans applied tremendous pressure in the last 20 minutes and scored twice, once through an indirect penalty corner conversion by Oliver Domke in the 57th minute and through a field goal in the 62nd minute by Bjorn Michel.

Though the Indians held the upper hand in the raids, the frontline was found wanting when it mattered most. The Germans should have been up by at least three goals all through penalty corners but for goalkeeper Jude Menezes who made brilliant saves. The visitors earned a penalty corner in the fourth minute itself. Bjorn Michael’s direct shot was deflected with his stick by a diving Menezes. Then on, India was in full cry and at least on three occasions, Gagan Ajit Singh was found wanting at the finish.

Meanwhile, India drew first blood in the 19th minute. Following a Thirumalvalavan solo effort, a melee developed and Thakur flicked the ball home, a decision which was contested by the Germans. After this, Menezes brought off two superb saves. Michael Green’s thunderous drive off a penalty corner was cleared. Menezes next stopped a reverse flick by Florian Keller at the nick of time.

Gagan Ajit Singh missed a golden chance in the fifth minute. Thirumalvalavan crossed to Baljit Singh Dhillon, who passed to Ajit Singh, who delayed taking the shot, with German goalkeeper Clemens Arnold at his mercy.

India got their first penalty corner in the 44th minute. A Dilip Tirkey direct shot was neatly saved by Arnold. Later, Dhillon’s attempt came off Arnold’s pads and Bipin Fernandez shot the rebounder. But Arnold regained ground and came between the goal and Fernandez.

In the next minute, India was unlucky not to score when Ajit Singh’s first attempt at the goal hit the post. Then on, Germany applied tremendous pressure.