Hockey: India loses 0-2 to Germany

Hosts Germany overpowered the Indian men's hockey team 2-0 in an action-packed encounter to end its campaign atthe three-nations invitational tournament on a winning note here on Tuesday.

Germany had previously won 2-1 against Belgium, drew 2-2 with India and lost 2-5 to Belgium in their opening match.

They finished with seven points while India earned four points from their outings.

Though India began well and won a PC as early as the 2nd minute of the match, the German defence was too good to break for young dragflicker Harmanpreet Singh who had scored a double in India's 3-2 win against Belgium on Monday.

The following minutes of the first quarter saw Germany, the bronze medallists at Rio Olympics, showcase an improvised execution of attack and ball possession to take early control of the match.

They came up with different variations to make space in the striking circle and found success with Thies Ole Prinz perfectly deflecting the ball into the post in the seventh minute to take Germany's score to 1-0.

Though they earned a PC seconds before the first hooter, Germany couldn't convert the shot as India keeper Akash Chikte came up with a good save.