Impressive start by India, shame about the scoreline

Indeed, a draw would have been possible had India converted their penalty-corner chances. All the goals in the match came from PCs. While the Germans converted all three that came their way, India wasted four and could convert only the first.

Sandeep — playing his first major tournament — showed promise but what was obvious was his need, at this level, for support from the Indian think-tank. He was, understandably, on a high after converting his first attempt — a low flick — but changed strategy for the next, hitting it up and prompting an easy save for the German goalkeeper.

Variations in strategy are welcome but Sandeep should have stuck to his strength — the low-flick, a rare quality among PC experts. In fact, the remaining PCs were also flicked high and therefore were easy to block.

Strangely, Len Ayyappa, the other PC specialist, is familiar with Malaysian conditions since he has played in their league but was not utilised by Indian coach Harender Singh.

Of the other youngsters, William Xalxo impressed in the defence but forward Tushar Khandekar seemed nervous and missed an open goal.