Work victory at the start: The German hockey men started the World Cup in India with a sense of achievement.
National coach Andre Henning's team deservedly won 3-0 (0-0) against outsiders Japan on Saturday.
The spectators in the well-attended Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneshwar saw a typical opening game at the beginning: The German Hockey Association (DHB) team had a hard time against the deep Japanese and missed the few chances.
Grambusch with a redeeming hit
Germany then increased the pressure in the second half.
Captain Mats Grambusch made it 1-0 with the fifth penalty corner (35 ').
Shortly thereafter, Christopher Ruhr increased after a fantastic attack (40th), before Cologne's Thies Prinz scored the final score with his first World Cup goal (48th).
The first big chunk awaits the Germans on Tuesday with defending champion and Olympic champion Belgium.
The final group game is on Friday against world number ten South Korea (2:30 p.m. CET/DAZN).
After ten years without an international title, the DHB selection, which was once spoiled by success, is aiming for the third world title after 2002 and 2006.