India lose to Germany 2-5,out of race for semifinals

The Indians were no match for their speedy rivals and their defence was split open at will by the Germans.

India on Friday slumped to a humiliating 2-5 defeat against defending champions Germany to crash out of the semifinal race in the mens hockey competition of the London Olympics here.

Facing a must-win situation following two straight defeats in their first two games,India put up a pathetic display and allowed the Germans to dictate terms almost right through the match.

The Indians were no match for their speedy rivals and their defence was split open at will by the Germans. Young striker Florian Fuchs (7th minute,16th,and 36th) scored a hat-trick for the Germans,while Oliver Korn (24th) and Christopher Wesley (34th) were the other goal-getters for the European giants.

For India,VR Raghunath (13th) and Tushar Kahndker (63rd) reduced the margin of defeat. India are now out of the semi-final race after having tasted defeats in their first three matches. They lost to The Netherlands 2-3 and New Zealand 1-3 in their opening two fixtures. The eight-time champions,who have returned to the Olympic fold after eight years,are lying sixth and last in Group B.