Defender Amit Rohidas Reflects on India's 2-0 Victory Over Spain
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Synopsis
In a stunning display, the Indian Men's Hockey Team overcame Spain with a 2-0 victory at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium, marking their first win of the season. Amit Rohidas commended the team's ability to rectify previous mistakes, as Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh netted crucial goals.
Key Takeaways
- India's defense was significantly improved compared to their last match.
- Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh were pivotal in securing the win.
- The team effectively managed their tactics throughout the game.
- Upcoming match against Germany set for February 19.
- Amit Rohidas emphasized the importance of learning from past mistakes.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 16 (NationPress) The Indian Men’s Hockey Team made a remarkable comeback, claiming a 2-0 victory against Spain in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium in Bhubaneswar. After experiencing a 1-3 loss in their opening match, India showcased an impressive performance on Sunday, much to the joy of the home supporters. Goals from Mandeep Singh (32') and Dilpreet Singh (39') marked India's first triumph of the season.
Defender Amit Rohidas praised his team's efforts, asserting they corrected the errors made in their previous defeat.
“These were two completely different matches; this marks the beginning of a new year for us. Although we performed well in the first half, we were lacking in the second. Today, however, we addressed the mistakes from the first game. We maintained our attacking momentum throughout all four quarters and were precise with our opportunities,” Amit Rohidas told IANS.
The match commenced cautiously for both sides, with the first quarter concluding without any goals. India's defense displayed notable sharpness compared to their last outing, effectively neutralizing the Spanish assault. Mandeep Singh nearly scored in the 5th minute, but a timely move by the Spanish defense thwarted him.
During the second quarter, India dominated possession and pressed hard for a breakthrough, yet Spain's defense held strong. Despite earning a penalty corner in the 18th minute, India was unable to score, and the halftime score remained 0-0.
The first breakthrough occurred in the 32nd minute when Mandeep Singh took advantage of a rebound from a penalty corner, scoring with an assist from Dilpreet Singh. This goal invigorated the Indian team, and just seven minutes later, they doubled their advantage. Mandeep Singh assisted Gurjant Singh, whose reverse hit was deftly redirected into the net by Dilpreet Singh in the 39th minute.
Despite Spain's relentless efforts to equalize in the final quarter, goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Krishan Pathak stood firm, ensuring India preserved their lead. The team tactically managed the game well, achieving a deserved victory in the absence of captain Harmanpreet Singh, who was given a rest.
The 26-year-old expressed satisfaction with the team's performance and indicated they would maintain the same strategy for their upcoming match against Germany on February 19.
“Our strategy is effective. Our defense is robust, and we are successfully defending penalty corners, so we will carry on with this approach in future matches,” Hardik told IANS.
