New Delhi: Manpreet Singh scripted history on Wednesday, becoming India’s most-capped hockey player with his 413th international appearance as the national team defeated Germany 3-1 in the FIH Hockey Pro League in Rotterdam.
The veteran midfielder celebrated the milestone in style as India delivered a composed performance, combining attacking flair with resolute defending to overcome the Germans in their second match of the European leg.
Mandeep Singh opened the scoring in the seventh minute after executing a sharp turn in front of goal to put India ahead. Just six minutes later, Shilanand Lakra doubled the advantage, beating German goalkeeper Alexander Stadler with a precise strike to cap an impressive first quarter for the visitors.
Germany attempted to fight back in the second quarter and earned two penalty corners, but India’s defence stood tall. Amit Rohidas made a crucial block from the first set-piece, while goalkeeper Mohith produced an excellent save from the second to preserve the two-goal lead.
India extended their advantage midway through the third quarter through Nilakanta Sharma, who produced a brilliant solo run before calmly slotting the ball home to make it 3-0.
Germany finally found a breakthrough with just 20 seconds remaining in the third quarter as Raphael Hartkopf pulled one back in the 45th minute. The hosts increased the tempo in the final period and launched a late assault, but the Indian defence remained compact and denied any hopes of a comeback.
Indian midfielder Hardik Singh was named Player of the Match for his influential all-round display.
The victory capped a memorable evening for Manpreet, whose record-breaking appearance added another landmark to an illustrious career that has seen him become one of the finest players in Indian hockey history.
Sorry, there was a YouTube error.
