The Asian Age

AGE CORRESPONDENT

New Delhi

Aug. 9: Spain crushed India 8-2 in the first test of their Europe tour’s third leg at Terrassa on Saturday night, according to a Hockey India release.

The world number three Spaniards toyed with the Indians, pumping in five goals in the first half before adding three more in the second session to complete the rout.

For Spain, the goal-getters were star striker Santi Freixa (3rd and 15th), Xavi Ribas (14th), Albert Sala (26th), David Alegre (30th), Xavi Llenart (36th and 49th) and Victor Sojo (67th minute).

India’s consolation goals were scored by Hari Prasad (51st) and Rajpal Singh (60th minute). Spain never allowed India to settle down and unleashed attacks at lightning speed spearheaded by Freixa and well supported by wingers Edward Tabau and Xavi Llenart.

India, who rested goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza, Dhananjay Mahadik, Prabodh Tirkey, Tushar Khandker, Ajitesh Roy and Shivendra Singh, appeared rusty and lacked the spark seen against England and Belgium in the first half of their European tour.

Their midfield and defence caved in from the start of play as the Spaniards succeeded with consummate ease to out manoeuver Sandeep Singh, Sardar Singh, Ignace Tirkey and V.S. Vinaya repeatedly.