The Indian men's hockey squad put up a dominant performance in regulation, defeating Germany 5-3. However, the world champions ultimately claimed the bilateral series by winning the shootout 3-1. India's scoring was led by Sukhjeet Singh and Harmanpreet Singh, who each found the net twice, while Abhishek contributed a single goal. For Germany, Elian Mazkour scored twice and Henrik Mertgens added one.
India came out swinging with a penalty corner just four minutes in, but Germany was the first to score, utilizing a quick transition to catch India off guard in the 7th minute. This happened right after Abhishek failed to convert a chance following a push into the circle from the left.
Coming into the game with a 2-0 lead from the first match, the world champions nearly extended their advantage in the 12th minute, though their penalty corner attempt failed. India had a similar opportunity shortly after in the 14th minute, but it was denied by a brilliant save from Danneberg.
During the second quarter, Vishnu Kant and Shamsher teamed up to put pressure on the German defense, but they couldn't find the equalizing goal. Both sides earned penalty corners during this stretch, yet neither could convert them. Germany's backline remained resolute, effectively neutralizing India's attempts to break the deadlock.
Trailing 1-0 at the half, India knew they had to change their attacking approach. They found the spark they needed in the third quarter when Shilanand Lakra's clever backhand pass found Sukhjeet, who redirected it into the goal. This equalizer shifted the momentum entirely; shortly after, Harmanpreet Singh hammered home two penalty corners in the 42nd and 43rd minutes, giving India a commanding 3-1 lead.
India continued their surge in the third quarter with a well-placed field goal from Abhishek. By the 48th minute, they had pushed the lead to 5-1 after Sukhjeet broke away on a counter-attack and beat Danneberg one-on-one. However, Germany didn't give up; Mazkour netted his second and Henrik Mertgens scored in the 60th minute, forcing the game into a shootout.
Reflecting on the match, Indian captain and Player of the Match Harmanpreet Singh noted that the team carefully analyzed their mistakes from the previous game to improve. While he expressed pride in the team's ability to score via field goals and penalty corners, he lamented that they couldn't secure the series win.
Lalage made a strong impression in his debut for India, showing great pace and skill on the ball. While he didn't get a goal or assist during regulation, he was dangerous throughout and eventually scored during the shootout. He was only denied a debut goal in open play by a spectacular save from Danneberg.
Vishnukant Singh and Shilanand Lakra were also instrumental, with Lakra setting up Sukhjeet's first goal. Vishnukant's ability to drive the ball forward from the midfield was a major factor in India's second-half resurgence. For coach Fulton, seeing these young players, along with Rajinder, step up to the senior level is a very promising sign for the future.