Germany beat India in WC opener

The hosts, currently ranked third, edge past sixth ranked India 3-2 in the first Pool B match of the Hockey World Cup.

Third ranked Germany edged past sixth ranked India 3-2 in a fluctuating opening Pool B match of the World Cup in Germany on Wednesday.

HT Image

Christopher Zeller scored two goals (26th minute and 70th), including one in the last minute, to give the home fans something to cheer about.

Earlier, Zeller had given the hosts 1-0 lead off the only penalty corner they earned in the first half.

In the second half, Shivendra Singh (57th) drew parity, but Oliver Hentschel (58th) took Germany 2-1 ahead.

Shivendra (63rd) scored again to draw level. A diving Zeller (70th) once again scored off a difficult angle to give Germany the narrow win.