Clinical Spain beat India to lead series
MADRID: The Indian women’s hockey team suffered a 1-4 defeat against hosts Spain in the fourth game to trail 1-2 in the five-match series.
Lola Riera (10’, 34’) continued her fine form with a double strike while the other goals came from Lucia Jimenez (19’) and Carmen Cano (37’). India’s only goal of the match was scored by Udita in the 22nd minute.
While Spain beat India 3-0 in the opener, the second game finished with a 1-1 draw. The visitors bounced back with a 3-2 win in the third game before being outplayed on Saturday.
Spain won two penalty corners within the first five minutes to put pressure on the away team. But India were up to the task and thwarted the attempts from the world No 11 side.
Spain looked in prime form during the opening 20 minutes, which saw them score twice.
After the early setback, it was India’s turn to put pressure. The visitors focused on their defending and built momentum, causing the Spanish side to play deep.
The pressure paid off when Udita found the back of the net after linking up with her teammates to score a field goal.
Spain’s attackers made sure that they stamped their authority by increasing their lead when the umpire awarded them a penalty stroke, converted by Riera.
Another attack by the Spanish three minutes later saw Carmen deflect a cross from outside the striking circle into the back of the net, making the score 4-1.
India tried to attack in the final quarter but Spain made sure that they were not successful. The teams will play their final match on Monday.