 "India suffered a heartbreaking loss to Germany in the hockey semi-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. AP")
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.
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.
Rasquinha called the India hockey players “brave hearts " despite the loss.
Drag flicker Rupinder Pal Singh called on the players to end on a high note with a bronze medal.
Here’s a look at more reactions with regards to the semi-final: