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India suffered one of their most heartbreaking defeats in recent times as Germany scored twice in the closing minutes to turn the match on its head and register a 2-1 victory in the FIH Pro League on Thursday mignight (IST).
For nearly 56 minutes, India looked set for a famous win against the world champions. Even after Germany drew level, the visitors appeared destined to at least salvage a point. However, a cruel twist just seven seconds before the final hooter saw Germany snatch all three points, leaving the Indian players stunned and crestfallen.
The Indians had defended resolutely throughout the contest and finally broke the deadlock in the 38th minute. Jugraj Singh converted a penalty corner with authority, giving India a deserved 1-0 lead. The goal was reward for a disciplined performance in which India matched Germany in intensity and repeatedly frustrated the home side’s attacking moves.
With the clock ticking down, India appeared to be closing in on a memorable victory. Germany, however, refused to surrender. Their persistence paid off in the 56th minute when Benedict converted a penalty corner to level the scores at 1-1.
Even then, India remained within touching distance of a valuable draw. The final whistle was only moments away and the teams seemed destined to share the points. But Germany produced one final surge.
With just seven seconds remaining in regulation time, the hosts earned another penalty corner, as Jugraj, who was playing his one hundredth match would not keep the mandatory five metre rule when trying to tackle a overhead inside the circle, Jacob Brilla stepped up and converted, sending the German bench into wild celebrations while leaving the Indian camp devastated. The goal completed a remarkable turnaround and transformed what had looked like an Indian triumph into a painful defeat.
The result underlined Germany’s renowned fighting spirit. Trailing with only four minutes remaining, the Europeans found a way back into the game and then seized victory at the death. For India, the loss will be difficult to digest, especially considering how close they were to securing one of their most impressive wins of the Pro League season.
Despite the defeat, India can take several positives from a performance that showcased defensive discipline, tactical maturity and immense determination. Yet on this occasion, the difference between victory, a draw and defeat proved to be a mere seven seconds — a cruel reminder of how unforgiving top-level international hockey can be.