India suffer 2-1 defeat to Spain in first game of Spanish Hockey Federation tournament
FirstpostIndian men’s hockey team suffered a narrow defeat to Spain on Tuesday in Barcelona in their opening game of the 100th Anniversary Spanish Hockey Federation - International Tournament. Meanwhile, hosts Spain began to gain momentum as the first quarter progressed, and it paid off as Pau Cunill found the back of the net to put the hosts ahead in the 11th minute. 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, who found himself in an ideal position to deflect in a lighting shot by Jose Basterra. 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.