In a thrilling semifinal clash at the Paris Olympics 2024, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team put up a valiant fight but ultimately fell to Germany with a close scoreline of 2-3. Despite their best efforts, the Indian squad couldn’t overcome the formidable German side on Tuesday.
The match saw Harmanpreet Singh (7′) and Sukhjeet Singh (36′) scoring for India, while Germany’s goals came from Gonzalo Peillat (18′), Christopher Ruehr (27′), and Marco Miltkau (54′).
India started the game on the offensive, putting Germany under pressure by winning two penalty corners in the first quarter. However, Germany’s robust defense managed to block captain Harmanpreet Singh’s initial attempts. India maintained their aggressive stance, with Vice Captain Hardik Singh showcasing impressive dribbling skills. This relentless pressure paid off when Harmanpreet Singh converted the fourth penalty corner in the 7th minute, marking his eighth goal of the tournament and giving India an early 1-0 lead.
Germany quickly adapted and matched India’s intensity in the second quarter. They earned a penalty corner, and Gonzalo Peillat equalized in the 18th minute. Despite India’s continued pressure, Germany took the lead in the 27th minute through a penalty stroke by Christopher Ruehr, ending the first half with a 2-1 advantage.
In the third quarter, India fought back fiercely, securing consecutive penalty corners. Harmanpreet’s flick was deflected by Sukhjeet Singh into the net, leveling the score at 2-2 in the 36th minute. Both teams increased their attacking efforts, but the third quarter ended without further goals.
The fourth quarter saw Germany’s persistence paying off when Marco Miltkau scored the decisive goal in the 54th minute after receiving an assist from Teo Hinrichs. Despite India’s efforts to equalize, Germany held on to their lead, winning the match 3-2 and advancing to the final.
India will now face Spain in the bronze medal match on Thursday, aiming to secure a podium finish at the prestigious event.
