India top group A despite losing to Germany

Melbourne: India went down fighting to London Olympics champions Germany in the last preliminary league match of the Champions Trophy here today.

India put up a spirited challenge and even took the lead twice in the match but some aggressive hockey by them the Germans saw them go down 2-3 in the match.

India who finished a disappointing 12th in the London Olympics however topped the pool A ahead of Germany by the virtue of goal difference. India finished with a goal difference of +3, while their opponent’s difference was -1.

India started the match on the rather aggressive and drew the first blood through Gurwinder Singh Chandi to send a strong signal to the Germans.

The lead was short-lived as Oliver Korn drew the equaliser in the 14th minute.

The teams went into the breather with the scores tied.

After the change of ends, India took the lead again in the 46th minute after Nitin Thimmiah deflected Birendra Lakra’s shot following their first short corner of the match.

But two quick goals by Tobias Matania in 55th and 57th minute sealed India’s fate.

Meanwhile, England finished third with four points after playing out a 1-1 draw by New Zealand.

Kiwis finished fourth with only one point.

By Indian Sports News Network