Men's Pro League: Spain Secures 3-1 Victory Over India in Opening Match
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Synopsis
In an unfortunate start for India's men's hockey team, they lost 3-1 to Spain during the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 at Kalinga Hockey Stadium. Sukhjeet scored for India, while Borja Lacalle, Ignacio Cobos, and Bruno Avila netted for Spain. The Indian team looks to bounce back in their next match.
Key Takeaways
- India lost to Spain with a score of 3-1.
- Sukhjeet was the only scorer for India.
- Spain scored through Borja Lacalle, Ignacio Cobos, and Bruno Avila.
- India missed several penalty corner opportunities.
- Suraj Karkera made significant saves in goal.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 15 (NationPress) The Indian men's hockey team had an unfortunate start to their campaign as they faced a 3-1 defeat against Spain in a challenging match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25 at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday. Sukhjeet was the sole scorer for India, while Borja Lacalle (28'), Ignacio Cobos (38'), and Bruno Avila (56') netted goals for the Spanish team, marking a strong beginning for their leg in India.
India was determined to make an early impact with aggressive plays in the first quarter, applying high pressure to thwart Spanish advances.
In the opening quarter, the hosts generated several opportunities, including a penalty corner that came their way early in the third minute. However, Jugraj's flick failed to find the net and was cleared by Spain's first rusher. In the 14th minute, India nearly took the lead when Abhishek provided a fantastic pass to Lalit Upadhyay, who made an excellent run. But with no one available in the circle for an assist, he was forced to take a wide shot.
The second quarter saw Suraj Karkera replace Krishan Pathak in goal and he made a remarkable save in the 18th minute, indicating Spain's intent to capitalize on the momentum and challenge the Indian defense.
Despite Spain's constant pressure and attempts to penetrate the circle, Karkera held firm. India's forwards, Abhishek and Sukhjeet, were pivotal in generating chances, with Sukhjeet eventually scoring India's first goal in the 25th minute.
This goal was dramatic as Sukhjeet initially struggled to control the assist from Jarmanpreet Singh but quickly recovered to take a reverse shot. Shortly after, India earned another penalty corner but failed to convert.
Spain equalized in the 28th minute with a goal from Borja Lacalle. India's struggle continued as they missed converting from yet another penalty corner in the 29th minute, leading to a 1-1 stalemate at halftime. The third quarter kicked off with Spain keeping Krishan Pathak busy in goal. They earned a penalty corner in the 33rd minute, which was saved by Pathak, and again in the 35th minute.
A field goal from Spain was disallowed in the 37th minute due to a foul, but they successfully netted a penalty corner in the 38th minute. Despite a poor trap from Lacalle, he maintained possession and passed to Ignacio Cobos, who scored effortlessly.
With a 2-1 lead, Spain gained momentum heading into the final quarter. India's ongoing issues with penalty corner conversions continued, while Spain solidified their lead with a decisive goal in the 56th minute.
A critical error by Harmanpreet, who attempted an aerial pass from Spain's possession leading to a penalty corner, proved costly. Despite the Indian team's protests, the umpire's decision remained firm. Bruno Avila executed a stunning drag-flick, marking his first international goal.
While India will be disappointed with the outcome, they will aim to recover during their next match against Spain on Sunday.
