New Delhi, 21 February (H.S.):

The Indian men's hockey team suffered a 0-2 defeat to Spain in their opening match of the FIH Pro League Hobart leg on Saturday, despite a gritty performance marred by clinical finishing from the Spaniards. Ignacio Abajo (6') and Ignacio Cobos (36') netted the decisive goals, marking Spain's first win of the season while extending India's losing streak to five.

India began assertively with swift passing and attacking intent to seize control, but Spain countered effectively. In the sixth minute, Abajo's superb deflection opened the scoring. India maintained composure post-concession, crafting chances via midfield surges; Abhishek's powerful late first-quarter shot was brilliantly parried by Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado, denying equality.

Both quarters two and three witnessed fierce exchanges. Spain earned a 24th-minute penalty corner, repelled masterfully by Indian custodian Suraj Karkera to preserve the 1-0 halftime lead. Early in the third, Spain intensified pressure, with Cobos tapping in from close range after Pol Cabre Verdiell's incisive assist, doubling the advantage to 2-0 amid repeated penalty corner threats stoically thwarted by India's disciplined defense.

The final quarter saw India ramp up assaults, penetrating Spain's circle repeatedly and securing a penalty corner they failed to convert, while goalkeeper Honnenhalli Shashikumar Mohith executed a stunning one-on-one save. With four minutes remaining, India withdrew their goalkeeper for an extra outfielder, yet relentless efforts yielded no goals, sealing Spain's triumph with superior circle entries (23-9) and penalty corners (7-1). India faces hosts Australia on February 22 next.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar