India Narrowly Loses to Spain in FIH Men's Pro League Shootout

Intense Match Ends in Shootout

In a gripping encounter during the Hobart leg of the FIH Men's Pro League 2025-26, India faced Spain and lost 3-4 in a shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time, as reported by Hockey India. India initially led 1-0 until the 59th minute, thanks to a stunning goal from Maninder Singh, but a late equalizer from Bruno Font of Spain forced the match into a shootout.

First Quarter: No Goals Scored

Spain began the match with strong possession, putting pressure on the Indian defense. They earned a penalty corner in the 4th minute, but Indian goalkeeper Mohith made a solid save. An attempt by Jose Basterra in the 8th minute was ruled out for offside. India responded with a penalty corner in the 14th minute, but Amit Rohidas's shot was thwarted by Spanish keeper Luis Calzado, leaving the first quarter scoreless.

India Takes the Lead

The breakthrough for India came in the 19th minute when captain Hardik Singh intercepted a pass and set up Maninder, who delivered a powerful tomahawk shot into the net, putting India ahead 1-0. Spain quickly countered with a penalty corner, but Suraj Karkera saved Pepe Cunill's attempt. Karkera made another impressive save against Basterra shortly after, while India's Abhishek nearly extended the lead with a brilliant dribble, maintaining India's slim advantage at halftime.

Second Half Tensions Rise

During the third quarter, Spain increased their offensive pressure while India focused on defense. Spain earned multiple penalty corners, all saved by Mohith. As the quarter progressed, Spain was reduced to 10 players after Fortuno received a green card. India almost capitalized on this advantage in the 44th minute, but Calzado denied Jugraj Singh's penalty corner attempt.

Dramatic Final Quarter

In the final quarter, India faced a setback when Sanjay received a green card, leaving them with 10 players. Spain quickly earned a penalty corner, but Karkera was up to the task again. As Spain pushed for an equalizer, India found opportunities on the counterattack. Vishnukant Singh earned a penalty corner in the 52nd minute, but Rohidas missed the target. Shortly after, Rajinder Singh's drag-flick also went wide. With just a minute left, a defensive error allowed Bruno Font to score a stunning equalizer. Spain pressed hard in the final moments, winning three penalty corners in the last 13 seconds, but the Indian defense held strong, ending regulation time at 1-1.

Deciding Shootout

In the shootout, India faced disappointment as misses from Abhishek and Hardik Singh proved crucial, resulting in a 3-4 loss. Despite the defeat, India secured one point from this challenging match.

Looking ahead, India will face Australia in their next match during the Hobart leg of the FIH Men's Pro League 2025-26 on Wednesday.