Mandeep Singh and Dilpreet Singh score as India avenges its opening-game loss with a dominant win at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium.
Bhubaneswar (Odisha), February 17:
The Indian men’s hockey team bounced back in style at the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024-25, securing a 2-0 victory over Spain at the Kalinga Hockey Stadium on Sunday. After a disappointing 1-3 loss in the opening match, India showcased a strong defensive structure and clinical finishing to register their first win of the season.
Goals from Mandeep Singh (32′) and Dilpreet Singh (39′) sealed the victory, much to the delight of a packed stadium filled with enthusiastic home fans.
India’s Tactical Play Secures Win
The first quarter saw both teams struggling to find a breakthrough, with India’s defense significantly improving from their previous encounter. The only close chance came in the 5th minute, when Mandeep Singh almost scored, but Spain’s defense held firm.
The second quarter followed a similar pattern, as India pressed aggressively and dominated possession, but Spain’s backline stood resilient. India earned a penalty corner in the 18th minute, but the opportunity was squandered, keeping the scoreline at 0-0 going into halftime.
Second-Half Surge Gives India the Edge
After the break, India finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute through Mandeep Singh, who capitalized on a penalty corner rebound with an assist from Dilpreet Singh. This crucial goal provided the much-needed momentum for the hosts.
Just seven minutes later, Dilpreet Singh doubled India’s lead in spectacular fashion. Mandeep Singh lofted a precise ball to Gurjant Singh at the top of the circle, whose reverse hit was skillfully deflected into the net by Dilpreet. The unorthodox finish stunned Spain’s defense, putting India 2-0 ahead.
Despite earning a series of penalty corners, neither team managed to convert them into goals.
India Holds Strong in Final Quarter
The last quarter saw Spain intensifying their attack in search of a goal, but India’s defense remained rock-solid. Goalkeepers Suraj Karkera and Krishan Pathak made crucial saves, ensuring Spain was denied any comeback opportunity.
This comprehensive team effort, despite the absence of captain Harmanpreet Singh, earned India their first victory in the ongoing FIH Hockey Pro League and set the stage for more dominant performances in the tournament.
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FIH Hockey Pro League 2024, India vs Spain hockey, Mandeep Singh, Dilpreet Singh, Indian hockey team, Kalinga Hockey Stadium, Harmanpreet Singh, FIH Pro League