IND vs GER: India Men's Hockey Team Loses 0-2 Against Germany in First Match of Bilateral Series

India faced a 2-0 defeat against Germany in the first hockey match of their bilateral series on October 23 at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium. Germany dominated from the outset, with Henrik Mertgens scoring the opening goal in the fourth minute. Despite India's efforts to find their rhythm, they struggled to penetrate the German defense. The first quarter ended with Germany leading 1-0.

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
.
.
.
@CMO_Odisha… pic.twitter.com/ygdsyngTY9

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 23, 2024

In the second quarter, India earned penalty corners but failed to capitalize. An equaliser in the 27th minute was disallowed after a video referral, and a penalty stroke awarded to India was saved by German goalkeeper Teo Hinrichs. Germany extended their lead to 2-0 by the 30th minute, concluding the first half with that scoreline.

Read Also | Hockey India League will give players chance to learn from overseas talent, feels record-setting buy Udita

In the second half, India continued to struggle with their penalty corners, while Germany maintained offensive pressure. The Indian team found it challenging to create scoring opportunities against a strong German midfield, with Hinrichs earning the Player of the Match award for his standout performance.