Enlarge image
Germany and Belgium fought an intense game
Photo:
Frank Uijlenbroek / dpa
The German national hockey team celebrated a notable success at the World Cup in India, but missed an important victory late.
The team of national coach Andre Henning separated in the second group game 2:2 (1:1) from the defending champion and top favorites Belgium.
The German team didn't start well at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneshwar.
Nevertheless, Christopher Rühr had a great chance to take the lead early on, but failed to get through to his Cologne team-mate Vincent Vanasch in the Belgian goal.
A little later, Cedric Charlier did better on the other side and put the dominant Olympic champion in the lead (10th minute).
The German team recovered in the second quarter – the strong Krefeld Niklas Wellen equalized after a nice one-on-one from a tight angle (23').
After a balanced third quarter, Germany also played well in the final section.
Eight minutes before the end, Marco Miltkau was fouled when he shot at goal – Tom Grambusch converted the seven-meter penalty.
Victor Wegnez, however, struck back shortly afterwards for the Belgians with a majority and ensured the final result (55th).
On Friday, the German Hockey Association team will continue against South Korea.
The direct entry into the quarter-finals as group winners should be difficult due to the better goal difference of the Belgians.
Second or third in the group, the DHB team would fight in an intermediate round game to make it into the last eight.
aha/sid