India’s hockey team fought back from a goal down to defeat world champions Germany 5-3 in the second Test at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium in New Delhi on Thursday. However, the hosts lost the two-match series via shoot-out, with Germany winning 3-1.
Skipper Harmanpreet Singh and Sukhjeet Singh scored a brace each for India, while Abhishek contributed with a goal. For Germany, Elian Mazkour scored twice, and Henrik Mertgens added another.
Germany took an early lead through Mazkour’s reverse shot in the seventh minute. India responded well and created several chances but failed to find the equalizer.
The Indians finally broke through in the third quarter, with Harmanpreet converting two penalty corners in quick succession. Abhishek then extended India’s lead to 4-1 with a fierce shot from the right corner.
Sukhjeet scored India’s fifth goal in the fourth quarter, receiving a long pass and beating the German goalkeeper with a diving reverse hit.
Germany fought back with two late goals from Mazkour and Mertgens, but it was not enough to prevent India from winning the match.
In the shoot-out, India missed three of their four attempts, while Germany converted three of their four.
Despite the loss in the shoot-out, India’s performance in the second Test was a significant improvement from their 2-0 defeat in the first Test. The team showed great resilience and determination to come back from a goal down and win the match.