Reigning world champions germany

Reigning World Champs Germany: Reigning World Champions Germany defeated India 4-1 in a high-octane encounter in the Men's FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 at the iconic Kalinga Hockey Stadium here on Tuesday. Florian Sperling (7'), Thies Prinz (14'), Michel Struthoff (48'), and Raphael Hartkopf (55') scored a goal each that helped Germany clinch the three points while Gurjant Singh (13') was the lone goal scorer for India.

With the two teams sharing a healthy rivalry in international hockey, the match was bound to be intense right from the start with both teams producing an exciting brand of hockey. Though India looked like they held better possession in the first five minutes of the opening quarter, the tactically-driven attack by the Germans landed a field goal in the 7th minute of the game. It was a brilliant assist by Eric Kleinlein to Florian Sperling who finished the job with great finesse.

India was quick to respond when Rajinder Singh -- often compared to former India captain and midfield maestro Sardar Singh for his skilful play, set up Gurjant Singh with a classy cross-pass to equalise with Germany in the 13th minute.