'Heartbreak count keeps increasing', Netizens disappointed after India lose to Germany in hockey semi-finals

The Harmanpreet Singh-led India men’s hockey team suffered a heart-breaking defeat to Germany in the semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics on Tuesday. Germany defeated India 3-2 in the second semi-final to set up a title clash against Netherlands, whereas India will now face Spain in the bronze medal match on Thursday.

India had taken an early 1-0 lead on the back of a Harmanpreet Singh goal in the first quarter, but in the second quarter, India found themselves on the back foot after Germany responded via goal from Gonzalo Peillat in the 18th minute. Germany scored yet another goal in the 27th minute on the back of Christopher Ruhr, but their lead did not last long.

In the 36th minute, India won a penalty corner and as usual Harmanpreet was on the drag flick. Sukhjeet got a deflection off Harmanpreet’s drag flick to slot the ball past German goalkeeper Jean-Paul Daneberg.

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Germany, however, were more aggressive as the game progressed and tested India’s defensive skills as much. They had a couple of chances towards the end of the match, but India goalkeeper PR Sreejesh seemed untroubled by those.

It was in the 54th minute when Marko Milktau scored from open play and gave Germans the lead and an eventual victory. India were missing defender Amit Rohidas in this game as he was serving a one-match suspension.

In the 27th minute, Germany were awarded a penalty corner. This was after a shot from Pelliat landed on Jarmanpreet Singh’s foot, and after a video referral, Germany were given a penalty corner.

This decision has not gone down well with former India captain Viren Rasquinha, who claimed that the ball had hit Jarmanpreet’s shin pads.

I am sorry but the video umpire was so bad today. The penalty stroke that she gave was clearly going wide when it hit the shin pads of Jarmanpreet. @FIH_Hockey needs to get their act in order big time

— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) August 6, 2024

Rasquinha called the India hockey players “brave hearts " despite the loss.

This was one of the best attacking hockey matches I have ever seen.

The Indian hockey players are brave hearts. They gave it everything. They are heroes. I hope the entire nation is proud of the way they fought & never gave up.

They have to get ready for the 🥉match vs Spain

— Viren Rasquinha (@virenrasquinha) August 6, 2024

Drag flicker Rupinder Pal Singh called on the players to end on a high note with a bronze medal.

We’ve come so far boys. Let’s give our all in the bronze medal match and end on a high note. @TheHockeyIndia pic.twitter.com/KInDHvYkfT

— Rupinder Pal Singg (@rupinderbob3) August 6, 2024

Here’s a look at more reactions with regards to the semi-final:

Not the outcome we hoped for 💔 #Hockey #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #WinItForSreejesh#Paris2024 #INDvsGER
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.@CMO_Odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI@sports_odisha @Limca_Official @CocaCola @FIH_Hockey pic.twitter.com/QjYht7p2UG

— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) August 6, 2024

This is heartbreaking to see💔
So close yet so far 😭#wrestling #VineshPhogat #INDvsGER #GOLD #NeerajChopra  #Hockey          #Paris2024 #OlympicGames pic.twitter.com/AcaQcoRHig

— abhinav_anand (@abhinav_anand18) August 6, 2024

Heartbreak counts keeps increasing. Each one tougher than the previous. #Hockey pic.twitter.com/7Ecb0KbSh7

— Silly Point (@FarziCricketer) August 6, 2024

It wasn't the result we desired, but our team showed great skill and determination. Team Germany, however, edged us out with their superior play. We'll take valuable lessons from this match and channel our energy into the bronze medal match, aiming to finish strong.… https://t.co/Wa793Zcrew

— Dilip Kumar Tirkey (@DilipTirkey) August 6, 2024