ROURKELA, Feb 19: India faced Spain in their fifth FIH Pro League encounter for this season, as the caravan movedfrom Bhubaneswar to Rourkela. Craig Fulton’s side so far have two wins, one shootout and one loss from the four games they’ve played so far.
India edged Spain via a thrilling penalty shootout. Sreejesh saved Miralles attempt to hand India an important victory here FIH Pro League.
In the first game against Spain, India won 4-1 in a game that they dominated for most parts. It has been their most complete performance in the four games so far, but in the three games since, various Indian deficiencies have come to the fore. Fulton has been clear that he wants India to control games better. So far, they have struggled a little to find that balance between attack and defence. For example, after leading 4-2 at half-time against Australia, India just sat back too deep and invited Australian pressure, which eventually they couldn’t keep out, resulting in a 6-4 loss.
The game got off to a flier with just two minutes off the clock and two goals being scored from each team. First India took lead through Singh Jarmanpreet and Spain back a minute later with another one courtesy Basterra José.
Spain then took the lead through Lacalle Borja in the 15th minute and kept up their tempo as the two teams headed to the third quarter.
In the third quarter India scored and equalised with a goal from Abhishek who hit a heavy one on the rebound of the penalty corner. Spain finally lost the control of the game.
Spain had kept the pressure on the Indians until this point.
In the penalty shootouts India had all their chances converted. The Indian goalkeeper who has been in sensational form of late and he continued his stellar show in this match as well. He made a brilliant save to deny Spain captain Miralles. (Agencies)
