K. ARUMUGAM

It must cause concern in the minds of Indian hockey’s thinktank. Spain, who are in their pool of the forthcoming World Cup, just 75 days to go, dished out a fare that stunned the host for a hard fought 3-2 win. Except most part of the first and last quarter, India gave enough elbow room for the well-oiled Spanish with poor defence and rusty midfield, to outmanouevre them. Mark Caldas’ outfit grabbed the chances with both hands. Add to the Indian worry is falling form of goalie Sreejesh, who seemed struggling much like the other day against the Kiwis.

India dominated the first quarter with cohesive attacks and ball possession. But could not convert circle entries into anything of note. However, as if to study visitors were subdued early on but gained aggression in the last phase of the quarter. Establishing supremacy with that, they did not turn back.  It was Spain’s way all through in the second and third quarter.

India attacked with vigour in the dying moments but the Spaniard’s defence did not panic Photo: Shamim Qureshy

Fair to India, they made their quota of turn overs, penalty corners — five in all — and shots, but it lacked the finesse. Barring the one that Abhishek struck to level the score 2-2 (55th min), most others were passersby stuff.

Indian chief coach Graham Reid took the opportunity to field post Tokyo faces for longer duration. Sukhjeet, Raheel, previous match’s hero Mandeep Mor and Jugraj were brought in the second quarter, and given enough time to jell despite India was 1-2 doan at half time. They got the experience and it should matter in the coming days.

Harmanpreet Singh, newly appointed captain, sent a thunder of a shot to get India’s first goal off its second penalty corner but failed when his services were further required. India wasted four other PCs.

On the other hand, Spain struck first two goals through immaculate conversion of penalty corners. The 2-0 lead seemed unsurmountable for India, but Harmanpreet Singh and Abhishek did well to do that. However, within 100 seconds from Abhishek’s whack, Spain’s Mark Reyne stunned Krishan Pathak with a guile reverse shot in a melee. There was just three minutes left for the Indians to equalize and thus avoid a defeat.

Indians, egged on by the sizeable crowd, were all over the rival territory, forcing the entire Spain to defend, but could not translate the advantage to score. There were close misses.

Six days from now India will again meet the visiting rival in the repeat encounter. India needs to pull up their socks and come out with a good result so that they can look upto the World Cup encounter with Spain confidently.

Jordi Bonastre was fittingly declared Best Player of the match.

India will meet the same rival next Sunday.