Bhubaneshwar: Indian Vice-Captain Harmanpreet Singh’s brace and a goal from Abhishek helped India beat Germany by a comprehensive margin of 3-0 in the first leg match of FIH Pro Hockey League at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Thursday.
The Indian team consolidated their position at the top of the points table with seven wins in 11 matches securing 24 points.
India was up against a young German side with 12 players from the 22-member-squad making their international debut as they inducted players from FIH Junior World Cup where they finished runners-up.
Germany fought hard as the opening quarter ended goalless with both the teams failing to find the nets.
In the second quarter, India took the lead as flicker Harmanpreet Singh scored off a penalty corner in the 18th minute beating Germany’s legendary goalkeeper Alexander Stadler. India moved on to double the lead in the 27th minute as Harmanpreet once again converted a penalty corner.
In the second half, India kept attacking and they again converted a penalty corner in the 45th minute to take a 3-0 lead. Harmanpreet’s drag-flick took Abhishek’s deflection.
Abhishek was awarded ‘Player of the Match’ for his brilliant goal and performance throughout the match. India’s defense was on point with eight penalty corner saves.
With this win, India has bagged a seven-point lead over second-placed Germany, who have 17 points from nine matches.
The team will clash again in the second leg of the match to be played today.