Rival Watch: India to face 'tricky' Spain in Men's Hockey World Cup 2023

The two teams played each other twice in the 2022-23 edition of the FIH Men's Pro League.

In just a matter of time, Men's Hockey World Cup 2023 will begin in India. This is for the first time India will be hosting this tournament consecutively. The previous edition in 2018 was also held in India, where India finished sixth in the table. Netherlands defeated India in the quarter-final. In this edition, India will be starting their campaign against the current World No. 8 in rankings Spain. India will play their first game against Spain in Rourkela’s Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium on 13th January. In 14 World Cup editions, Spain has played in finals twice in 1971 and 1998.

Spain’s recent form has been dismal. Since June 2022, Spain has played 10 games and won four of them and ended up losing six. Spain faced India twice in FIH Men's Pro League. First, on 30th October where they defeated India by a close margin of 3-2, then on 6th November, they lost 1-3 by penalty. India has a greater challenge to face in the 15th edition of the Hockey World Cup in India. Being a host India will have an advantage in conditions and crowd, while teams like Spain, Wales and England will put up a tough competition in Pool D. Spain is currently standing eighth in ranking and their recent performance against India in Pro Hockey League will definitely boost a little confidence in the opening game.

Recent Performances

Last 10 games, Won – 4 & Lost 6

In October – November 2022 FIH Pro Hockey League Spain had a mixed share of results. Spain had four games with two against India, and two against New Zealand. They won twice and lost twice. In the last 10 outings, Spain won four games and lost six.

About the team

Spain is currently eighth in the rankings with 2120.35 points. So far Spain has qualified for all editions of the FIH Hockey World Cup. Spain’s best results in the World Cup came in 1971 and 1998 when they played in the finals of the tournament. They hosted Hockey World Cup maiden edition and ended as runners-up in the tournament. Spain lost to Pakistan in the final. In 1998, Netherlands became the champion by defeating Spain in the World Cup final. In the Olympics, Spain won three silver medals (1980, 96 and 2008) and one bronze medal in 1960.

The Coach

Maximiliano Caldas

Former Argentinean defender Maximiliano Caldas joined the Spanish Hockey team in May 2021. 49 years old Caldas has a good reputation as a coach and had won a few accolades with Netherlands Women's Hockey team. With Spain, he is yet to prove himself in the big tournaments and His next big assignment is coming up in India with FIH Hockey World Cup.

Players to watch out for

Alvaro Iglesias

Spain for this 15th edition of the World Cup has picked a relatively younger squad. With this selection, Alvaro Iglesias' experience as a forward becomes really crucial for the Spanish squad not only against India but in the entire tournament. 29-year-old Iglesias is considered the backbone of Spanish playmaking. In his career, he has played 180 games for his country scoring 43 goals. Iglesias will be tough to tackle for India in their opening game.

Enrique Gonzalez

26-year-old Enrique Gonzalez in the forward line has an important role to play with Alvaro Iglesias as a playmaker. Gonzalez with his superb performance in the 2014 Youth Olympics for Spain impressed everyone and made his international debut the same year. Soon after that championship performance, Gonzalez was drafted into the national team and since then he has become an important member. Gonzalez in his career played 153 games and scored 20 goals. With Gonzalez in the squad, Spain has won 86 games.

Ricardo Sanchez

As the saying goes, the defence wins the tournament. 30-year-old experienced man in Spanish defence has a lot to contribute in this upcoming Hockey World Cup. Member of the squad since 2014, Sanchez has given many great performances. Ricardo Sanchez in the eighth year of their international career has played 124 games. He has scored 10 goals and has been a lifeline for the Spanish team in the defence.

What to expect

In a 50-50 record in the previous outing, Spain had troubled the Indian team. India is ranked 6th and Spain is eighth, both teams will be expected to open their campaign on a winning note. India and Spain are placed in Pool D with England and Wales. Considered as a tough pool, both teams will have to increase their potential in opening games. India vs Spain is scheduled for 13th January at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela.