Indian Men’s Hockey Team Defeats Spain In FIH Men’s Pro League

FIH Men’s Pro League 2022-23: Indian Men’s Hockey Team beat Spain in 5th match shootout, after playing out a 2-2 draw in their 4th match.

At the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday, the Indian Men’s Hockey Team defeated Spain in a dramatic FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League 2022-2023 match, 2-2 (3-1 SO). 

India’s captain Harmanpreet Singh scored twice for his country throughout the game (7′, 32′). 

Spain’s captain Marc Miralles and Pere Amat each scored a goal in regulation time to take the game into a shootout, where India easily defeated their opponents thanks in large part to goalie Krishan Pathak, who stole the show.

Mandeep Singh received the ball from Jugraj Singh and attempted to enter the circle for India’s first opportunity of regular time, but was stopped by the Spanish defense. 

India had a chance for a penalty corner after a left side attack, but Jugraj Singh’s effort barely missed the target. 

A few minutes later, India’s Shamsher Singh produced another penalty corner, and this time Harmanpreet Singh buried it to give India a 1-0 lead.

With Spain trailing by one goal, they played with a sense of urgency to get the equalizer. Jordi Bonastre gave his team an early opportunity for a penalty corner, but Manpreet Singh blocked the shot. 

Deep within India’s half, Spain attempted to press, but Raj Kumar Pal did brilliantly to hold onto the ball. 

From the left side, Spain’s captain Marc Miralles set up a superb opportunity and reached Alvaro Iglesias in front of the goal. However, India’s goalkeeper Krishan Pathak made a spectacular save to foil Spain, and India maintained its 1-0 lead at the break.

With Mandeep Singh driving deep into Spain’s half and winning an early penalty corner, India started the second half by posing a threat to the Spanish defense. 

India doubled their advantage thanks to another set piece conversion from Harmanpreet Singh, who again enthralled the Bhubaneswar audience. 

Krishan Pathak made two outstanding stops to prevent the opposition from scoring from back-to-back penalty corners. 

Late in the third quarter, Marc Miralles gave his team their first point by breaking the chains.

Spain made a strong push deep inside India’s circle with barely 15 minutes remaining in the game to get the equalizer, earning themselves another quick penalty corner. 

Spain wasted the chance to put pressure on the hosts because Marc Miralles was unable to get a hold of the ball. 

As he dribbled by Spanish players to inside the circle, Abhishek generated a risky opportunity, but the ball just missed the mark. With a late goal from Pere Amat, Spain evened the score and forced a Shoot-Out.

India’s first try was successful thanks to Harmanpreet Singh, while Spain’s first effort from Joaquin Menini was stopped by Krishan Pathak. 

With his second shot, Raj Kumar Pal increased India’s lead, but Rafael Vilallonga also missed for Spain. 

Gerard Clapes scored for Spain after Shamsher Singh missed for India. Marc Miralles’ attempt was blocked as India won the game and the bonus point after Abhishek made it 3-1.