Hockey: Henrik Mertgens, Lukas Windfeder score as Germany downs India in New Delhi

The Indian men’s hockey team went down 0-2 to the reigning world champions Germany in the first match of their bilateral series at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Henrik Mertgens (4’) and Lukas Windfeder (30’) found the back of the net for Germany. Notably, Rajinder Singh made his debut for the India in this match.

Germany made the first foray into India’s circle early in the game and Mertgens pounced on a stray ball in the shooting circle to beat Krishan Pathak and score the first goal of the match.

With the hosts struggling to find a foothold in the game, Germany looked to double their lead and pegged India back into their own half.

Halfway through the quarter, India began moving the ball around with pace to bypass the German high press and went on to earn a penalty corner, but Varun Kumar failed to equalise.

However, Germany wrestled back control of the ball and ended the quarter 1-0 in their favour.

The second quarter saw India put Germany on the back foot in search of an equaliser. The pressure resulted in three penalty corners for India but Sanjay, Amit, and Harmanpreet Singh failed to capitalise on the opportunities.

With three minutes...

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