India versus Germany was not just a match between the two hockey loving nations, but also a test between the two goalkeepers who have made a mark in the world of hockey. While it will not be an exaggeration to say that India’s P.R. Sreejesh is perhaps the only player who has remained the team’s trump card for some time now and has given good performance consistently, Germany’s Nicolas Jacobi is already an established name in goalkeeping.

So, when India managed to survive German scare up to 59 minutes, scoring only when the timer was 42 seconds away from the final hooter, Jacobi credits Sreejesh for setting up the exciting match.

“Sreejesh did a good job. He gave us a tough time. We were lucky in the end. He made a tremendous game,” Jacobi told www.stick2hockey.com.

Sreejesh on the other hand stands surprised on the praise he receives from Jacobi. “If he praised me, I am very happy. In fact, it is me who follows his techniques. Even before the final of the Asian Games, I had watched the videos of the Hockey India League final where Jacobi had played brilliantly during the shoot-out and it helped me in the final of our game against Pakistan as well.”

While Jacobi says, Sreejesh’s reaction time is his strength, Sreejesh himself refuses to agree. “I don’t say I have a strong point. That is because I want to keep improving in all aspects of goalkeeping – drag flick, scoop, defense,” Sreejesh says.

In fact, not just Sreejesh and Jacobi, the tournament also features Jaap Stockmann, another goalkeeper to watch out for.

“Over the last years, a lot of good goalkeepers have come up like Jaap and Sreejesh. I know them personally. In fact during Hockey India League, I hang out with Jaap, you know may be we have beer after a game. I always look at what they are doing and perhaps steal some ideas from them,” he says.

Jacobi is a favourite in India. His performance in the final shootout of this year’s Hockey India League gifted Delhi Waveriders their first title win. And the German too loves playing here.

“It is always great to play in India. I have played in HIL, World League and now Champions Trophy. It is lot of fun playing here.”

But, does Jacobi have any advice since Sreejesh follows his game closely. “Advise? No, I don’t give anyone advise. That would be stupid you know,” he jokes.