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India suffered a 2-3 loss against Germany in the semi-final of the men's hockey event at the Paris Olympics 2024. The Blue Tigers entered the semis after a thumping victory over Great Britain in a penalty shoot-out by a 4-2 margin. The Harmanpreet Singh-led side secured their semi-final berth after a controversial win, which included India being reduced to 10-man side due to Amit Rohidas’ red card.
On the other hand, Germany, the reigning world champions is coming after securing a 3-2 win over Argentina in the quarterfinals. Coming back to the Yves du Manoir Stadium for semis, India had two quick penalty corners which the German defence fended away before captain Harmanpreet Singh scored the third one to give the Blue Tigers the lead.
After ending the 1st quarter 1-0, the Germans were quick to get back into the contest by Gonzalo Peillat converting their first PC in the 18th minute. The World Champions lived up to their title by putting India under constant pressure and stringing together a couple of penalty corners which led to a penalty stroke. Christopher Rühr converted it with ease and ensured Germany were 2-1 up at half-time.
The 3rd quarter started with an intense battle between the two teams as India and Germany created multiple chances but failed to convert them. The Blue Tigers, a goal behind, turned the aggression up a notch as they found two quick penalty corners but failed to convert them. But at the 36-minute mark, India got its 10 PC of the game and saw Sukhjeet deflect Harmpreet's drag flick into the goal and level the score 2-2.
Moments into the fourth quarter, Germany had a burst of attacks which earned them a penalty corner amidst which India lost its challenge. As the Germans re-took that PC, PR Sreejesh made the first save before Sanjay pulled off a crucial off-the-line clearance to maintain the 2-2 scoreline. The World Champions maintained the attack tilt on the Indian defence which got them another penalty corner which the Tokyo Bronze medalists cleared away.
The aggressive approach finally broke the deadlock in the 54th minute as Marco Miltkau tapped in a brilliant goal for Germany off a Teo Hinrichs assist. With two minutes left, Sreejesh was taken off the field but India managed to save a penalty corner. Despite all efforts, the Blue Tigers couldn't find their third goal and suffered a 2-3 loss.
