Rourkela: It was the perfect start for new chief coach Craig Fulton as India humbled defending World Cup champions Germany 3-2 in an FIH Pro League fixture at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium here on Friday evening.
South African Fulton, who succeeded Graham Reid, had the pleasure of seeing the Indians take a 3-0 lead before conceding two goals in the last two quarters.
India, looking to erase memories of a disappointing home World Cup, defended well in the opening 15 minutes when they staved off 5 back-to-back German penalty corners.
To rub it in, India scored from their first penalty corner through talismanic drag-flicker Harmanpreet Singh on the stroke of half-time.
Rising star Sukhjeet Singh put Germany – who edged out Belgium in a penalty shootout to lift the World Cup at Kalinga Stadium – firmly on the back foot with a double strike in the third quarter. The 26-year-old scored in the opening minute after change of ends and again in the 42nd minute – both field goals.
Germany pulled one back in the 44th minute before making it 2-3 with three minutes remaining on the clock.
The hosts held their own in the closing minutes to avoid a possible late equaliser.
India will face Australia on March 12 and 15, and in between play Germany again on March 13.
