Dusseldorf (Germany), June 6: Hosts Germany overpowered India 2-0 in an action-packed encounter here on Tuesday (June 6) to end their campaign at the 3-Nations Invitational hockey tournament as winners.
Germany previously won 2-1 against Belgium, drew 2-2 with India and lost 2-5 to Belgium in their opening match to finish with seven points while India earned four points from their outings.
Despite several circle penetrations, it took till the 29th minute for the real chance to materialise as India bagged their second penalty corner of the game. The opportunity went amiss though and the first half ended with 1-0 advantage to Germany.
After a goalless third quarter, India continued to stand up to the German challenge, getting closer each time to finding a breakthrough.
An opportunity came by with a little over three minutes left for the final hooter when India won another penalty corner but Harmanpreet's fiercely struck flick was defended by German goalkeeper denying him an equaliser.
With time ticking away rapidly, India pulled out their goalkeeper to play with an extra attacker but could not materialise.
Germany, meanwhile succeeded in pumping their second goal into the post in the 60th minute, thanks to Timm Herzbruch and took home a well-deserved victory.
IANS