LONDON, Aug 3 (PTI): India slumped to a humiliating 2-5 defeat against formidable Germany in Group B and went out of reckoning for a berth in the semifinals of the men�s hockey competition at the London Games here today.
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 brilliant hat-trick for the Germans, while Oliver Korn (24th) and Christopher Wesley (33rd) were the other goal-getters for the European giants.
For India, VR Raghunath (13th) and Tushar Kahndker (62nd) 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.
The Bharat Chetri-led team, coached by Australian Michael Nobbs, will now have to fight for minor placings.
India will now face Korea on Sunday before finishing off their group campaign against Belgium on August 7.
