New Delhi: Spain signed off from the Hobart leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League on Tuesday with a dramatic shootout win over India after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
India looked set for their first win of the season. However, a late Spanish equaliser forced the contest into a shootout, where Spain prevailed 4-3 to claim the bonus point in Hobart, Australia.
The match began with Spain controlling possession and building patiently. José Basterra thought he had opened the scoring in the first quarter, but his effort was overturned after a review. Spain continued to press, yet India’s defence absorbed the pressure.
India responded strongly in the second quarter. Hardik Singh produced a sharp interception before setting up Maninder Singh, who struck a powerful reverse shot from the top of the circle to hand India a 1-0 lead. The goal gave India momentum heading into halftime, according to fih.hockey.
The third quarter saw end-to-end action. Both goalkeepers were tested as the intensity rose. India even had a goal disallowed late in the match and struck the post from a penalty corner – moments that would prove decisive.
Spain finally found the breakthrough in the 59th minute. Bruno Font drilled home a superb strike to level the score. A tense final few seconds followed, with Spain earning multiple re-awarded penalty corners, but India held firm to push the match into a shootout.
In the decider, Spain kept their composure to seal a 4-3 win.
Despite the defeat, Jarmanpreet Singh marked his 150th international appearance with a spirited performance, highlighting India’s fighting display on the penultimate day in Hobart.
