The Indian men’s hockey team put up a fighting show in their opening game of the Four Nations Tournament but hosts Spain won the closely-fought tie 2-1 in Barcelona on Tuesday. Captain Harmanpreet Singh (59’) netted a goal for India after goals from Pau Cunill (11’) and Joaquin Menini (33’) for Spain.
India began the match on an aggressive note with high pressing in the first quarter but were unable to take the lead. Meanwhile, hosts Spain began to gain momentum as the first quarter progressed, and it paid off as Cunill found the back of the net to put the hosts ahead in the 11th minute.
After conceding the opening goal, India looked to control possession and launch a counterattack in the second quarter in search of an equaliser, but Spain’s defence held strong to prevent them from bouncing back, as the second quarter ended goalless, with Spain leading 1-0 at half-time.
The third quarter began with India repeatedly testing Spain’s defence; however, the hosts not only kept India at bay but also doubled their lead through Menini (33’), who found himself in an ideal position to deflect in a lighting shot by Jose Basterra.
Trailing by two goals, India shifted gears to put relentless…
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