India 3-0 Spain : As it happened….

After the Indian hockey campaign got dented after a 1-7 loss at the hands of the mighty Aussies India have successfully bounced back against the Spanish side. India won the game 3-0, while comprehensively dominating the possession throughout the game and with Rupinder and Simranjeet getting their name on the score sheet. 

Here’s a look at how the game panned out: – 

First Quarter: – 

The game began with Birendra Lakra and Amit Rohidas getting their 200 and 100 caps respectively for the Indian Hockey Team. It was a quick counter by the Spaniards which got the game underway, however, the attempt was in vain. The first triumphant attempt was made by the Indians in the 5th minute with Vivek slamming a shot which was deflected away by Francis Cortes, the Spanish Keeper. The next 10-12 minutes of possession was totally in the hands of the blues and it seemed as if they were playing around with the Spanish. In the dying minutes, a superb pass from Dilpreet to an unmarked Simranjeet gave India the lead as this became the first field goal for the Indians. Then came (15^th minute) a series of three penalty corners eventually leading to a penalty stroke! And India’s veteran defender Rupinder was calm as a cucumber while slamming it in!!! 2-0, India. 

Second Quarter: – 

This half was surprisingly dominated by the reds. The quarter began with a quick attack by them. A penalty corner that was saved by Sreejesh did trouble the Indian defense a bit. Quemada, David Alegre, Beltran all had their shots at goal but the Indian wall stood strong. The right flank proved to be the canvas for the Spanish attacks but Indian star Rupinder proved why an experienced veteran is picked in this squad!! 

Third Quarter: – 

Again, as the second quarter, the third quarter began with Spain being right on the money!! The Spanish defenders were on a high press and the attackers were playing an all-out attack. Rupinder once again was still able to bring up a counter with a silky through ball. During this attack the Spanish skipper, Miguel Delas conceded a yellow card (37^th min) and was forced to stay out for 5 mins. The quarter was filled with shots going off target. The fag end (44^th min) saw Amit Rohidas conceding a green card. The quarter ended with a Spanish PC and just as the ball was about to go inside the net the hooter went off!! We were in for an exciting 15 mins….. 

Fourth Quarter: – 

The fourth quarter was an enthralling adventure. It began on a decent note with the teams passing the ball around. The Spaniards did make one attack on the left flank but Surender Kumar was alert as ever to block it. In the 51st minute of the game, Simranjeet won a PC for India. And clinical as ever, Rupinder slammed a thunder bolt-like drag-flick in the back of the opposition net. The 53^rd minute saw Spain win a PC which went on for 3 more times. But every time the Spanish opposition failed to convert. In the end, it was a 3-0, India wins!! 

With this victory, India is now placed second in Pool A. With the upcoming games against teams like Argentina and Japan, the team’s defense is bound to get tested!!