Indian men's hockey team beat Spain in shootout in earn bonus point in FIH Pro League

The match ended in a draw in regulation time.

PR Sreejesh’s heroics in the shootout saw India pull off a thrilling 8-7 shootout win against Spain in their fifth match of the Men’s FIH Pro League 2023-24 at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Sreejesh made one save in the shootout, while Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Abhishek, Raj Kumar Pal converted their chances to help India bag a bonus point.

Jarmanpreet Singh (1’) and Abhishek (35’) scored a goal each for Indian men’s hockey team, while Jose Basterra (3’) and Borja Lacalle (15’) were on the scoresheet for the Spain in regulation time.

For a second straight night, India's goalkeeper is the saviour!! 💪🙏PR Sreejesh first helps India hold Spain with some terrific saves and then pulls off the deciding save in the shootout for a bonus point. 🇮🇳 🇪🇸#FIHProLeague #Hockey pic.twitter.com/BiXOKEcm1L

— Khel Now (@KhelNow) February 19, 2024

India started the game on aggressive note as Jarmanpreet Singh (1’) scored an excellent field goal in the first minute from an acute angle. Spain responded well after going down and started playing a fast counter-attack game, which helped them earn a PC. Spain equalized as Jose Basterra (3’) found the back of the net. India kept constant pressure on Spain’s defenders. Akashdeep earned a PC soon, but Harmanpreet Singh’s shot went wide.

With just seconds remaining in the end of the first quarter, Spain took lead as Borja Lacalle (15’) found the back of the net after receiving a pass from the Spain’s Captain Marc Miralles from the right flank.

In the beginning of the second quarter, India made an aggressive start in the opening minutes as they put pressure on Spain’s defence by constant attacks. India enjoyed greater possession of the ball but the Spain’s defence was tough in not allowing the Indian forwards to equalize. Going into the half-time, Spain led India by 2-1.

With India trying to find ways to bounce back, the third quarter was entertaining with both teams displaying quick-fire hockey and both stepping up the ante in attack. With India putting constant pressure on Spain defenders, India earned a PC on which they capitalized as Abhishek (35’) reacted quickly and fired the ball in back of the net to make the score 2-2. At the end of the third quarter, the score was tied at 2-2.

Trending Indian Sports articles

• Tajinderpal Singh Toor bags India’s third gold with National Record throw at Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2024
• Indian men’s team smash Chile in World Team Table Tennis Championships 2024 opener
• Jyothi Yarraji sets new National Record to win gold in 60m hurdles, Harmilan Bains bags gold in 1500m at Asian Indoor Athletics Championships 2024
• Indian women’s team upset top seed Japan to reach historic maiden Badminton Asia Team Championships final
• List of Indian athletes to have secured qualification for Paris Olympics 2024

With 15 minutes left on the clock, India started mounted more pressure on Spain. With constant attacking moves, India earned a PC with six minutes remaining, but failed to convert as Amit Rohidas shot was blocked well by the Spain goalkeeper. Sreejesh made some superb saves in the last five minutes of the game as the Spain gave their all, but couldn’t find the back of the net, ending the regulation time in a 2-2 scoreline.

India will face The Netherlands in their fourth match on Wednesday, 21st February at 1930 hrs IST.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Whatsapp & Telegram