“We Were Not Fluid Up Front”: India Coach Craig Fulton On Loss To Germany

In a recreation by which India had generated seven penalty corners and one penalty stroke, the facet’s inefficient ending noticed them lose 0-2 to Germany on the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium. Head coach Craig Fulton believes the facet did play effectively however the missed probabilities ‘got here again to burn’ the house facet. “We were not fluid up front. We created enough chances, so that was good, we created enough penalty corners, but if you do not take your chances then it comes back and burns you and it was not to be upfront on Wednesday and hopefully, we will get a result tomorrow,” stated Fulton after the match.

“We played well until that phase (Germany’s opening goal) and even in the second quarter we did really well, created 4-5 corners, had one or two opportunities but if you don’t take your opportunities then Germany will pounce,” Craig informed IANS post-game.

Henrik Mertgens (4′) and Lukas Windfeder’s (30′) two first-half objectives have been sufficient to seal victory for the guests. Germany dominated early, as Mertgens capitalised on a unfastened ball to beat Indian goalkeeper Krishan Pathak. Despite India’s efforts to counter, they have been unable to transform their probabilities, with Varun Kumar lacking an important penalty nook.

In the second quarter, India utilized extra strain, incomes three penalty corners, however failed to attain. A penalty stroke provided a golden alternative, however German goalkeeper Joshua Onyekwue Nnaji blocked Harmanpreet Singh’s shot. Just earlier than half-time, Windfeder doubled Germany’s lead with a strong penalty nook strike.

The third quarter noticed India intensify their assaults, however Nnaji remained resolute in aim. Germany additionally posed threats with fast counters.

In the ultimate quarter, India continued their possession recreation however struggled to create clear probabilities, ending the match with out a aim. Germany’s protection held agency to seal the win.

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