New Delhi: A much-improved India held title contenders Germany to an exciting 3-3 draw in the final Pool A match of the Hero Hockey World League at the Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium here on Monday.
It was a narrow escape for world no. 1 Germany as India led 3-2 with three minutes left when defender V.R. Raghunath was handed a yellow card which reduced the hosts to 10 men.
The Germans capitalised almost immediately with Thilo Stralkowski (68th minute) scoring the equaliser.
India looked much sharper than in their previous two matches. There was better co-ordination between the midfield and the forwards while the defence too were in an improved shape.
The hosts, who tried to build up pressure on their rivals right from the start, got their reward in the 19th minute when Raghunath’s free hit found a touch from German custodian Tim Jessulat, resulting in an own goal.
Germany equalised through Oliver Korn (24th) who beat home goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh with a deflection off a pass from Martin Haner. Rupinderpal Singh (33rd) restored India’s lead just before half time when he beat Jessulat with a powerful waist-high hit off a penalty corner.
The Germans equalised again when Pilt Arnold’s shot from outside the Dee entered the Indian goal in the 41st minute. The hosts asked for a referral but were unsuccessful as the third umpire ruled that it was an own goal.
But the Indians soon got their nose in front when a penalty corner hit by Raghunath was blocked by Jessulat. Dharamvir Singh (52nd), who had taken the push, was on hand to slot home the rebound.
India finished at the bottom of their group with just one point and will play Pool B toppers Australia in the quarter-final on Wednesday.
In another Pool A match, England ensured the top spot with a 5-1 thrashing of New Zealand. Ashley Jackson (30th, 44th) scored off penalty corners while Mark Gleghorne (50th), Tom Carson (67th) and Barry Middleton (70th) completed the tally. Hugo Inglis (57th) got the lone goal for the Kiwis.
In Pool B, Australia brought high-flying Argentina back to earth with a 6-1 thrashing, while, Belgium and Holland played out a 2-2 draw.
Holland scored through Constantijn Jonker (31st) and Jeroen Hertzberger (66th). Belgium scored through Tom Boon (34th, PC) and Felix Denayer (52nd).
