Olympic champions Germany swamp Ireland 5-2 to square two-match series

FILE PHOTO: Florian Fuchs

Olympic champions Germany exacted sweet revenge for their shocking 2-3 defeat at the hands of Ireland in the first Test when they swamped the Greenshirts 5-2 to level the two-match Test series in Mannheim, Germany.

The Germans pressed the attacking button from the starting hooter and did not allow the Irish outfit to control possession.

Germany’s early sallies were rewarded when they were awarded a penalty stroke in the 11th minute.

Seekers coolly converted from the dreaded spot to make the scoreline 1-0.

Ireland tried hard to rebound but the Germans did not give them any sniff at their citadel.

Germany, egged on by a lively home crowd, struck close to half-time when Rurher rattled the Irish cage in the 33rd minute.

Star player Oscar Deecke, who turned out for Delhi Waveriders in the inaugural Hero Hockey India League, made it 3-0 with one minute remaining on the clock for half-time.

The Andrew Meredith-coached Irish side needed a strong start in the second half but all their hopes dimmed early in the half when Grambusch sounded the board in the 36th minute.

Down 0-4, Ireland had to summon desperate measures.

Mikey Watt gave the Green Machine a glimmer of hope when he reduced the deficit in the 41st minute.

Windfeder literally put the result beyond Ireland when he converted a penalty corner in the 53rd minute to give the hosts a commanding 5-1 lead.

Ireland pulled off a consolation goal through Kyle Good in the 66th minute as German triumphed 5-2 to ensure the two-match Test series ended on an even kneel.

Earlier, Ireland caused a big surprise when they put it across Germany 3-2 in the first Test in Heilbronn. They opened the account through veteran Alan Sothern in the 4th minute.

The Green Machine held on to a 1-0 lead at half-time and doubled the advantage in the 55th minute through Phelie Maguire.

Germany hit back with a goal from Rurher in the 58th minute.

Ireland extended the lead through Shane O’Donohue. Florian Fuchs struck for Germany but Ireland managed to held firm to win by the odd goal in three.

Earlier, Ireland along with India were the first two teams to qualify for the Hockey World League semifinals in the Round 2 tournament held in New Delhi.

Ireland swamped Bangladesh 5-2 in their opening match before whipping lowly Fiji 13-0. They lost 2-3 to hosts India before crushing Oman 7-2 before wrapping up their engagements with a 4-0 romp over China.