India’s hockey sticks did the talking in patches, but Spain struck where it mattered, sealing a sharp 2–0 blow in the FIH Pro League.
The Indian men’s hockey team’s search for momentum in the FIH Pro League hit another significant roadblock on Saturday. Despite flashes of attacking promise, the Men in Blue went down 2–0 to a well-drilled Spanish side, marking their fifth straight defeat on the international stage.
The match, held during the Hobart leg of the series, was seen as a crucial chance for India to regroup after a bruising home leg in Rourkela. However, the shift to overseas conditions under new captain Hardik Singh did little to change their fortunes. India created chances but failed to convert them, while Spain made the most of the openings that came their way.
A Tale of Two Halves
Spain stamped their authority early. Just six minutes into the opening quarter, Ignacio Abajo finished off a swift counter-attack. As India tried to build patiently from the back, Spain’s high press forced a turnover, allowing Abajo to guide the ball into the net and hand his side an early lead.
India responded with intent. The midfield, led by Hardik Singh, began moving the ball with greater purpose and pushed into the Spanish circle more frequently. Late in the first quarter, Abhishek unleashed a fierce strike that seemed destined for goal, but Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado produced an outstanding save to preserve the advantage.
In the second quarter, goalkeeper Suraj Karkera kept India in the contest. His sharp save in the 24th minute denied Spain from a penalty corner and ensured the scoreline remained 1–0 at halftime.
Defensive Lapses Prove Costly
India came out after the break looking to push forward, but that urgency left gaps at the back. In the 36th minute, Ignacio Cobos found space inside the circle and struck cleanly from close range to double Spain’s lead.
“The difference today was finishing. We created the openings, but Spain took their chances when it mattered most,” observers noted.
With a two-goal cushion, Spain tightened up defensively and controlled the tempo. Although India managed to defend five penalty corners in the latter part of the third quarter, the uphill task remained steep. Their forwards struggled to break through Spain’s compact structure in the final phase of the game.
Final Take
The defeat adds to earlier losses against top sides such as Belgium and Argentina during the Rourkela leg. A familiar problem continues to haunt India: too many circle entries, too few goals.
The Hobart leg, which also includes hosts Australia, runs until February 25. With the Pro League campaign slipping away, Hardik Singh and the coaching group must quickly address their finishing concerns. Unless India begins converting their chances, improved possession alone will not be enough to turn results around.
