Hobart, Feb 24 (NationPress) In a gripping encounter during the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26, India faced a narrow defeat, succumbing to Spain with a score of 3-4 in the shootout after a hard-fought 1-1 draw in regulation time. India had taken a 1-0 lead thanks to a stunning goal from Maninder Singh in the 19th minute, but a late equaliser from Bruno Font of Spain in the 59th minute forced the shootout.

Spain began the match with strong initial possession, testing India's defense early on. They earned a penalty corner in the 4th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Mohith made a comfortable save. Spain believed they had scored in the 8th minute, only to have Jose Basterra's goal disallowed. India responded by winning a penalty corner in the 14th minute, but Amit Rohidas’s drag-flick was thwarted by Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado, leaving the first quarter without any goals.

The game's first breakthrough came in the 19th minute when skipper Hardik Singh intercepted a Spanish player, executed a brilliant turn, and assisted Maninder, who unleashed a powerful tomahawk shot that found the net, putting India ahead 1-0. Spain quickly earned a penalty corner but Pepe Cunill’s attempt was saved by Suraj Karkera. Karkera then denied Basterra again with a remarkable save, while India's Abhishek nearly doubled the lead after a dazzling dribble, but the score remained 1-0 at halftime.

In the third quarter, Spain intensified their pressure while India focused on defense. Spain's efforts yielded consecutive penalty corners, both of which were expertly saved by Mohith. As the quarter neared its end, Spain was reduced to 10 men due to a green card issued to Fortuno. India nearly took advantage in the 44th minute when Calzado made a tight save against Jugraj Singh's penalty corner strike.

The final quarter saw India also reduced to 10 men after Sanjay received a green card in the 45th minute. Spain quickly earned another penalty corner, but Karkera again stood firm. As Spain pressed for an equaliser, India found room to counter. Vishnukant Singh earned a penalty corner in the 52nd minute, but Rohidas's attempt went wide. Moments later, Rajinder Singh’s drag-flick also missed the net.

As India attempted to manage the clock, a crucial defensive error in the 59th minute allowed Bruno Font to score a stunning equaliser. In a frantic finish, Spain earned three consecutive penalty corners in the last 13 seconds, yet India’s defense held strong, ending regulation at 1-1.

During the shootout, misses from Abhishek and Hardik Singh proved detrimental, resulting in India's 3-4 defeat, leaving them with a single point from this hard-fought match.

India's next challenge will be against Australia in the fourth match of the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 on Wednesday.