Spain handed India a 3-1 defeat in a high-intensity 2024-25 encounter at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Saturday. (Match Highlights | )
Despite an early lead through Sukhjeet Singh, India struggled with penalty corner conversions, allowing Spain to capitalize through goals from Borja Lacalle (28’), Ignacio Cobos (38’), and Bruno Avila (56’).
India started aggressively, pressing high and creating multiple opportunities in the opening quarter. A penalty corner as early as the third minute was wasted when Jugraj Singh's flick was well-defended by Spain. Lalit Upadhyay also came close in the 14th minute but failed to convert after finding himself without support inside the circle.
The second quarter saw Spain gradually gaining momentum. Goalkeeper Suraj Karkera, who replaced Krishan Pathak, was kept busy, making crucial saves. However, India found the breakthrough in the 25th minute when Sukhjeet Singh recovered from a mis-trap to slot in a reverse shot. India had a chance to extend their lead but squandered another penalty corner opportunity in the 26th minute.
Spain responded swiftly, with Borja Lacalle equalizing in the 28th minute. Another missed Indian penalty corner attempt in the 29th minute saw the teams go into halftime level at 1-1.
The third quarter was an intense battle, with Pathak making key saves from Spain라이브 바카라 penalty corners. However, Spain took the lead in the 38th minute when Ignacio Cobos capitalized on a loose ball inside the circle, making it 2-1.
Trailing into the final quarter, India continued to struggle with set-piece execution. Their fate was sealed in the 56th minute when a defensive lapse by Harmanpreet Singh led to Spain winning a penalty corner. Bruno Avila stepped up to fire in a stunning drag-flick, marking his maiden international goal and securing Spain라이브 바카라 3-1 victory.
India will aim for a comeback in the second match of the doubleheader on Sunday, seeking to improve their finishing and penalty corner conversion.
