IND vs GER, bilateral hockey series 2024: Germany dominates lackluster India in series opener, takes 1-0 Lead

New Delhi: Lucas Windfeder’s Germany showcased their prowess against India, securing a 2-0 victory in the opening match of the two-match bilateral series at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi. Germany struck early, taking a 1-0 lead in the fourth minute with Henrik Mertgens scoring. From that point on, the hosts were left chasing the game. Despite several opportunities, including multiple penalty corners and a penalty stroke in the 28th minute, Harmanpreet Singh and his teammates were unable to find the back of the net, remaining scoreless throughout the match.

India, to their credit, maintained possession for much of the match but struggled to penetrate the solid German defense. They failed to convert a penalty corner in the first quarter, marking the start of a frustrating evening for the Indian offense, which continued to squander multiple penalty corner opportunities throughout the game.

In the second quarter, India earned four penalty corners within just seven minutes, yet they failed to convert any, including a key attempt from captain Harmanpreet Singh. Although Dilpreet Singh found the net in the 27th minute, Germany opted for a video referral, putting the goal under scrutiny.

The video referral resulted in a penalty stroke for India, but despite diving the wrong way, German goalkeeper Joshua Onyekwue managed to extend his leg to deny the hosts yet again, prolonging their frustrating night of missed opportunities. To compound India’s woes, Germany capitalized on their own penalty corner in the dying moments of the second quarter, with captain Windfeder scoring to extend their lead to 2-0.

A defeat in the first game of the PFC India vs Germany Bilateral Hockey Series.
We are confident of a comeback tomorrow

India 0-2 Germany

Henrik Mertgens 4′
Lukas Windfeder 30′(PC)#IndiaKaGame #PFCINDvGER #HockeyIndia #GermanyTourOfIndia
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@CMO_Odisha… pic.twitter.com/ygdsyngTY9

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 23, 2024

The final two quarters felt like a waiting game for India as they struggled to break through Germany’s formidable defense. Despite creating a few chances, the hosts couldn’t convert any, highlighting the need for improved strategy and execution in the upcoming matches if they hope to overcome Germany’s strong backline.

Teo Hinrichs was awarded the player of the match, and the two teams are set to face off again in less than 24 hours for the decisive clash.