Johar Bahru: Indian junior team failed to impress when it mattered the most as they lost 2-3 to Germany in the summit clash in the Sultan of Johar Cup hockey tournament here on Sunday. After an unbeaten outing in league stages, the Indian team could not rise to the occasion and committed silly mistakes to hand Germany the upper-hand from the start.
The Indians began the final match as favourites having beaten Germany 3-1 in the league stages but had to be content with a runners-up finish. It took Germany just 11 minutes to take the lead when Jonas Gomoll scored from their first penalty corner.
The Indians, however, got their acts together and drew parity in the 24th minute through Satbir Singh's field goal. In the subsequent five minutes, India got two very good chances to surge ahead. German custodian Victor denied them on the first occasion while luck did not favour India in the next opportunity.
While Victor pulled off a brilliant save to deny India from its first penalty corner, Akashdeep was unlucky to have hit the German post in the 29th minute. Germany, however, did not waste the opportunity that came their way with Joshua Delarber making it 2-1 in the 30th minute from a penalty corner....
more
08:25 PM, Nov 18, 2012
