Indian eves suffer 1-4 defeat vs Spain

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 between the two sides finished with a 1-1 draw. The visitors bounced back with a 3-2 win in the third match before being outplayed in the fourth game.

Spain won two penalty corners within the first five minutes to put pressure on the away team.

But the Indian team was up to the task and kept out the two tries from the world number 11 side.

Spain looked in prime form during the opening 20 minutes of the match, which saw them score twice.

After the early setback, it was India’s turn to put pressure on the hosts.

The visitors focused on their defending and built some momentum, causing the Spanish side to play deep.

The pressure paid off for the visitors in the 22nd minute when Udita found the back of the net after linking up with her teammates to score a field-goal.

The visitors started to play expansive hockey in the closing few minutes of the second quarter and could have equalised before the halftime break, but young striker Lalremsiami dragged her shot wide of the post.

The two teams will play their fifth and final match on Monday.