Rio Olympics 2016 Hockey: Heart-Break for India as Germany Win by Last-Gasp Goal

India suffered a heart-breaking defeat against Germany in a Pool B match of the men's hockey competition of the Rio Olympics 2016. Christopher's Rurh's goal with barely four seconds left on the clock robbed India of a crucial point.

India did well to look the defending champions in the eye throughout the match. Germany took the lead in the 18th minute with a field goal by Niklas Wellen but Rupinder Pal Singh scored his third goal to level things in the 23rd.

India even threatened to win full points, forcing as many as three penalty corner as against one by the Germans. But Rurh's deflection in the dying seconds of the match left Indian goalie and captain PR Sreejesh totally gutted.

Germany remain on top of the group with six points. They beat Canada 6-2 in their first match.

Skillful India slow off the blocks

India were slow off the blocks but settled down quickly in a fast-paced encounter. The physically Germans were playing the balls to good effect but India were more skillful with their moves.

India had the first look at the German goal in the 12th minute but Nikkin Thimmaiah's shot was not good enough to beat the German goalie. The first quarter ended 0-0.

Germany, aiming for a hattrick of Olympic titles, took the lead early in the second quarter. Wellen capped a fine move that left the Indian defence foxed. But that didn't dampen Indian spirits as they converted their first penalty corner in the 23rd minute.

Rupinder Pal Singh scored his third goal of the tournament and all from penalty corner conversions. This one was flicked past the goalie's right.

India attacked from the start of the third quarter. India forced their second penalty corner and Rupinder almost scored his second of the match. Germany increased their pace but India defended well, putting the ball out of harm's way quite easily.

Then quite against the run of play, disaster struck India. A stream of quick passes through the centre of the striking circle saw Rurh with the final touch as Sreejesh was left a bitterly disappointed man.