New Delhi: Out of title race after a crushing defeat at the hands of Australia, hosts India would be hoping for a miracle when they take on Olympic champions Germany in the fifth-eighth place play-off game of the Hockey World League Final on Friday.
Going into the clash, the Indians can take heart from their drawn pool match against the same team.
India squandered a two-goal lead against world champions Australia to suffer a 2-7 hammering in the quarterfinal of the eight-nation tournament at the Major Dhyan Chand Stadium.
Much to the surprise of the Australians, India took a two-goal lead in the first 15 minutes of the opening half through Birendra Lakra (6th minute) and Yuvraj Walmiki (11th minute).
But the Australians showed tremendous fighting spirit to score three goals in the opening period through Nicholas Budgeon (24th), Jason Wilson (29th) and Glenn Turner (35th) to go into the break with their nose ahead.
After the changeover, Australia went on a rampage as they scored goals at will through Russell Ford (41st, 47th), Simon Orchard (45th) and Jacob Whetton (65th) to teach the hosts a lesson in hockey.
The Germans too have not had the best of outings in the tournament so far, losing 1-2 against Netherlands in another quarter-final. Germany had finished second in Pool A with one win, one draw and a loss.
And come tomorrow, the Indians would be hoping to take inspiration from their morale-boosting 3-3 draw in the pool stages against the Germans to pull out a win which has so far eluded them in the tournament.
Contrary to the final result against Australia, it was India who dominated the early share of exchanges with some sharp moves.
The Indians looked a superior side at least in the first 20 minutes of the game. The midfield and forwardline coordinated well to create numerous scoring opportunities and trouble the Australian defence.
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