June 15, 2025, Bhubaneswar
In a nail-biting contest at Bhubaneswar’s Kalinga Stadium, India narrowly defeated Spain 3-2 on June 15, 2025, in the FIH Hockey Pro League. The match, played before a roaring crowd of 12,000 fans, saw dramatic momentum shifts, late goals, and standout performances, keeping alive India’s hopes for a top-four finish in the tournament.
First Half: Early Dominance and Quick Response
India started strong, pressing Spain’s defense with aggressive circle penetrations. Captain Harmanpreet Singh broke the deadlock in the 8th minute, converting a penalty corner with a powerful drag-flick to the top left corner. Spain, however, regrouped quickly. Midfielder Marc Miralles capitalized on a defensive error in the 19th minute, dribbling past two defenders to slot a low shot past goalkeeper PR Sreejesh. The first quarter ended 1-1, with Spain gaining confidence.
The second quarter saw Spain dominate possession, testing India’s defense with swift counterattacks. Spanish forward Pau Cunill missed a close-range chance in the 23rd minute, while India’s Abhishek hit the post on a breakaway. Both teams entered halftime locked at 1-1.
Second Half: Rollercoaster of Emotions
India reclaimed momentum early in the third quarter. Forward Mandeep Singh’s aerial pass found Abhishek in the 33rd minute, who deflected the ball past goalkeeper Mario Garin. Spain responded fiercely, earning back-to-back penalty corners. Enrique Gonzalez finally leveled the score at 2-2 in the 41st minute with a deceptive flick that wrong-footed Sreejesh.
The final quarter turned into a tense battle. India’s Vivek Sagar Prasad orchestrated midfield control, while Spain’s defense struggled under relentless attacks. The breakthrough came in the 54th minute when Mandeep Singh tapped in a rebound from a saved Harmanpreet Singh penalty corner, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Spain pushed for an equalizer, but Sreejesh’s stunning save against Alejandro Alonso’s reverse hit in the 58th minute sealed India’s victory.
Key Performances and Stats
Harmanpreet Singh was named Player of the Match for his goal and defensive tackles. Sreejesh’s eight saves, including three in the final quarter, proved critical. Spain’s Garin made six saves but faced 14 shots compared to Spain’s 10. India earned seven penalty corners to Spain’s four, reflecting their attacking intent.
Post-Match Reactions
India’s coach Craig Fulton praised his team’s resilience: “We stayed composed under pressure. Mandeep’s winner was pure instinct, and the defense stood tall when it mattered.” Spain’s Max Caldas rued missed chances: “We had opportunities but lacked finishing. Small mistakes cost us against a top side like India.”
Pro League Standings and Road Ahead
With this win, India climbed to third in the Pro League table with 15 points from eight games. Spain remains fifth with 10 points from seven matches. India next faces Germany on June 20, while Spain takes on Belgium on June 18. The Pro League serves as a key qualifier for the 2026 World Cup, raising stakes for both teams.
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