KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 7: Spain were superb on the wings and played a close-knit game to crush India 4-1 in a pool match of the FIH junior men’s hockey World Cup here on Tuesday.
Spain lead Pool C with six points from two wins, while Korea are ahead of India on goal difference, with both sides having three points each. The fourth team in the pool, Canada, are yet to open their account after two losses.
India will play their last pool match against Canada on Saturday. Uttam Singh’s side, after starting the prestigious tournament on a high with a 4-2 victory against Korea in Pool C.
But were brought down to earth by the tactically superior Spain, who made full use of the opportunities and tightened their defence resolutely to deny India penalty corner conversions.
Cabre Verdiell Pol (1st, 41st min) and Rafi Andreas (18th, 60th) were on target for the Spaniards, while for India, the consolation goal came from the stick of Rohit, who converted a penalty corner in the 33rd minute.
Most contests between India and Spain have gone to the wire but on Thursday, it seemed the 2016 junior World Cup champions were low on energy, conceding a goal in the very first minute of the contest.
Spain’s searing pace helped them take the lead in the first minute itself when an unmarked Cabre took just 51 seconds to stun India. The forward, who was unmarked just in front of the India goalkeeper made a lovely deflection to give his side the lead.
India did pull one back in the 33rd minute after missing two PC opportunities in quick succession when Rohit slotted home the third to make it 1-2. But the joy was short-lived as Cabre struck his second goal of the match to regain the two-goal lead.
Spain goalkeeper Capellades Jan stood out for his pluck and anticipation, saving at least 3-4 sure-shot strikes from Indian forwards.
Spain earned a penalty stroke in the last minute and did not miss the gilt-edged opportunity to add to India’s miseries. (PTI)
