Torneo del Centenario: India men's hockey team loses 1-2 to Spain in opener

Barcelona (Spain), July 26 (IANS) The Indian men's hockey team put up a fighting show in their opening game of the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation - International Tournament (Torneo del Centenario) but hosts Spain won the closely-fought tie 2-1, here on Tuesday night.

Captain Harmanpreet Singh (59') netted a goal for India after Pau Cunill (11') and Joaquin Menini (33') had put the hosts in front.  

India started 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 Pau Cunill (11') found the back of the net to put the hosts ahead in the 11th minute.

With the scoreline stacked against them, 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 the Indian team attacking ruthlessly and repeatedly testing Spain's defence; however, the hosts not only kept India at bay but also doubled their lead through Joaquin Menini (33'), who found himself in an ideal position to deflect in a lightning shot by Jose Basterra.  

Trailing by two goals, India shifted gears to put relentless pressure on Spain and even won a penalty corner, but were unable to capitalise on it. Also, Spain's goalkeeper saved Indian Captain Harmanpreet Singh's fiery shot from a distance towards the end of the third quarter to make sure that Spain enters the final 15 minutes of the game with the two goals lead.

In their bid to bounce back in the game, India came out all guns blazing in the fourth quarter and created some good scoring opportunities, but they still struggled to find their first goal of the game. Meanwhile, Spain switched to counter-attacking and won back-to-back penalty corners, but were unable to convert any of them.

On the other hand, India continued to put pressure on the home team's defence, which paid off when Captain Harmanpreet Singh (59') converted a penalty corner in the dying minutes of the game to keep his team in the game. However, Spain prevented India from scoring another goal, and the game ended 2-1 in favour of the hosts.  

India will next take on the Netherlands in their second game of the tournament