India's Hockey Pro League Slump Continues with 0-2 Defeat to Spain in Hobart
India's hopes for a revival in the FIH Men's Pro League were decisively dashed on Saturday as they suffered a 0–2 loss to Spain, extending their ongoing slump in form. The match, held in Hobart, saw Spain combine clinical finishing with disciplined defending to secure a convincing victory.
Early Spanish Dominance Sets the Tone
Spain seized control early, with Ignacio Abajo opening the scoring in the 6th minute through a neatly deflected goal from a counter-attack. Despite India's sharp, quick passing and efforts to control possession, Spain's strategic approach proved highly effective.
Unfazed by the early setback, India remained committed to their structure, circulating the ball swiftly through midfield and probing Spain's defence with intent. They created multiple promising openings, nearly equalizing towards the end of the first quarter when Abhishek fired a powerful strike, only to be denied by an excellent save from Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado.
Second Goal Extends Spain's Lead
The second quarter featured end-to-end action, with both teams showing attacking intent but failing to convert chances. Spain earned their second penalty corner in the 24th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a crucial save to prevent an extension of the lead.
Spain applied sustained pressure in the closing minutes of the first half, but India absorbed it well before launching quick counter-attacks, including a promising circle entry that put Spain under pressure. Despite both teams pushing for a goal, neither could find the net, and Spain carried a slender 1–0 advantage into half-time.
Soon after the restart, Spain came out aggressively, and their pressure paid off when Ignacio Cobos struck from close range in the 36th minute after finding himself unmarked inside the circle, doubling Spain's lead.
India's Defensive Resilience and Late Push
Buoyed by the goal, Spain continued to press high and earned five penalty corners towards the latter stages of the third quarter. However, India's defence held firm with disciplined defending to deny any further damage.
Eager to stage a comeback, India began the fourth and final quarter on the front foot, spending sustained periods inside Spain’s circle and eventually earning their first penalty corner of the match, though they were unable to convert the opportunity.
At the other end, Indian goalkeeper Honnenahalli Shashikumar Mohith produced an impressive save in a one-on-one situation to prevent Spain from extending their lead. With four minutes remaining, India withdrew their goalkeeper to add an extra outfield player in search of a breakthrough, increasing the pressure on Spain's defence.
Outlook and Next Match
Despite their late push, India could not find the back of the net, sealing the 0–2 loss. This defeat continues India's struggles in the Pro League, following two losses each against Belgium and Argentina in the home leg in Rourkela. The team, now under new skipper Hardik Singh, was hoping to bounce back and make a fresh start during the overseas leg.
The Hobart leg of the series, which also features hosts Australia, will be held until February 25. India will next take on hosts Australia in their second game of the Hobart leg of the Pro League on Sunday, aiming to turn their fortunes around in this competitive tournament.
