Spain inflict double pain

Visitors stun India’s men’s and women’s hockey teams 5-3 and 4-3 respectively in FIH Pro League

The Indian men’s hockey team slumped to its second defeat in the FIH Pro League as it lost 3-5 to Spain in the second match of their two-legged tie at the Kalinga Stadium here on Sunday.

If World No.4 India made a last-minute dash on Saturday to beat Spain 5-4 in a pulsating match, the scenario was completely opposite on Sunday as World No.9 Spain were accurate with their penalty corner conversions to completely outwit the hosts.

Meanwhile, the Indian women’s hockey team conceded a late goal to lose 3-4 against Spain for its first defeat. Back to the men’s match, Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist India took the lead in the sixth minute through Abhishek before Spain struck thrice through Pau Cunill (14th, 24th min) and Joan Tarres (14th min). 

Cunill scores brace

Pepe Cunill (54th min) and skipper Marc Miralles (59th min) converted two more penalty corners to seal the issue for the visitors. India’s other goals were scored by Harmanpreet Singh (27th) and Sukhjeet Singh (51st). India had earlier lost 2-5 to France in South Africa earlier this month. 

Despite registering their second defeat in the league, India are currently placed second in the standings with 12 points from six matches, including four wins. India will next play Germany in another two-legged home tie here on March 12 and 13. Ranked World No. 9. the Indian women had defeated Spain, ranked sixth in the world, 2-1 in the first match of the two-legged tie Saturday. 

Xantal Gine scored the winner for Spain with just 35 seconds remaining in the match after Begona Garcia (4th, 24th minutes) struck a brace. 

Garcia on target

Maialen Garcia (15th min) also registered her name in the scoresheet from a penalty corner. India’s goals were scored by debutant Sangita Kumari (10th min), Salima Tete (22nd min) and Namita Toppo (49th min). While it was India’s first defeat in four matches, Spain registered their first win in the League.

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