India loses to the hosts, Spain, 1-2 in the tournament’s first match

The Indian men’s hockey team battled valiantly in their debut match at the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation international competition before falling to Spain, 1-2.

Tuesday’s game saw the hosts take the lead in the 11th and 33rd minutes thanks to goals from Pau Cunill and Joaquin Menini before India’s captain Harmanpreet Singh scored in the 59th.

India pressed hard in the opening quarter of the game to have an aggressive start, but they were unable to score. As the first quarter went on, Spain picked up steam, and Pau Cunill scored to give the hosts the lead.

India attempted to maintain possession and launch a counterattack in the second quarter in an effort to equalize the score, but Spain’s defense stood firm to prevent the visitors from making a comeback.

With no goals scored in the second period, Spain had a 1-0 advantage at the break.

The Indian squad started the third quarter in offensive mode, regularly putting Spain’s defense to the test.

Joaquin Menini, who was in a perfect position to parry Jose Basterra’s lightning-fast attempt three minutes after halftime resumed, helped the hosts not only keep India at bay but also increase their advantage.

India changed tactics after falling down by two goals to apply constant pressure on Spain. They even earned a penalty corner but were unable to take advantage of it.

Additionally, Spain’s goalie stopped Harmanpreet’s ferocious long-range effort before the conclusion of the third quarter to give the home side a two-goal lead going into the last 15 minutes of play.

India exploded into the scene in the fourth quarter and had several excellent scoring chances, but they were unable to score the game’s first goal.

Spain resorted to a counterattacking strategy and gained consecutive penalty corners, but they were unsuccessful in converting them.

India persisted in applying pressure to the home team’s defense, and in the last seconds of the match, Harmanpreet successfully converted a penalty corner. But Spain stopped India from adding another goal.

On Wednesday, the Indian squad will play its next opponent, the Netherlands.