Classy Germans clinch series

Classy Germans clinch series
Julian Rodrigo

Chennai, March 4: Germany exhibited their fighting qualities in ample measure to put it across India 2-1 in the deciding match and clinched the friendly Hockey Series, held as part of the German Festival in India, at Mayor Radhakrishnan Stadium here on Sunday.

Indians led 1-0 at half time. India were without chief coach Cedric D’Souza who has been hospitalised due to stomach problem. With Assistant Coach C R Kumar at the bench, things did not go the expected way. ‘‘I have been telling them to go for Zonal marking but they stayed put to man-to-man marking which certainly was not the remedy to Germany’s swift counterattacks. Moreover one just can’t afford to lose chances against a superior team. Surprisingly our forwards made a mess of easy chances in the first half which cost us dearly,’’ said a dejected C R Kumar.

On the contrary, Bernhard Peters, the German coach on his first tour to India as main coach was in a buoyant mood. ‘‘ The varied penalty corner sequence which resulted in getting us the equaliser was the turning point in today’s match,’’ said Peters.

The die-hard hockey fans of Chennai had been longing for an international tie which was evident by their response today. India attacked initially and Deepak Thakkur’s goal warmed the cockles of many. But the euphoria was shortlived as Germans fought back like men possessed to turn the tables on the hosts.

Germans known for their varied styles in execution of penalty corners.It was no different today. They almost tore the rival defence in the first half. India would have been in an ignominious situation but for the timely saves of Jude Menezes.Germany’s Bjorn Michel was at his devastating best in the attack. Mixing caution with aggression and his swift interchange of positions confused the Indian defenders Dilip Tirkey and Dinesh Nayak.