Rio 2016: India run champs Germany close

Germany’s Christopher Ruhr is besieged by India’s Kothajit Singh (left) and Rupinder Pal Singh in their hockey match on Monday. Germany won 2-1. (Photo: AP)

Indian men’s hockey team’s perennial habit of conceding late goals continued to haunt them as reigning double Olympic champions Germany scored seconds from the final hooter to steal a 2-1 win in a thrilling Pool B match of the Rio Olympics here on Monday.

It was heartbreak for the Indian fans as despite playing near perfect hockey for the major part of the match, the Germans stole the win with just 3.1 seconds from full time.

The Indian defence, which had a good match and stood firm all throughout, fumbled in the final seconds as Christopher Ruhr scored the winner for Germany with a deflection from close range to dash the Sreejesh P.R.-led side’s hopes.

Earlier, Germany took the lead against the run of play through a field goal from Niklas Wellen (18th minute) before Rupinder Pal Singh (23rd) drew parity for India.

On Sunday night, Spain stunned world champions Australia 1-0 to throw the Pool A open. Belgium thrashed hosts Brazil 12-0, while Great Britain and New Zealand played out a 2-2 draw.