Hockey: India vs Spain last five meetings

The two teams will meet in the bronze medal match at the Paris Olympics 2024.

The rivalry between India and Spain in men’s field hockey is a clash between historic dominance and rising European talent. These two nations have faced off numerous times in major tournaments recently.

Indian men’s hockey team holds a record eight Olympic gold medals in field hockey, making them the most decorated team in Olympic hockey history. Their period of dominance from 1928 to 1956 resulted in six consecutive Olympic titles.

Spain, while not matching India’s Olympic achievements, has made significant strides in recent decades. The Spanish team has secured two European Championship titles and has consistently participated in World Cups since 1971.

A notable encounter between these teams occurred during the 1980 Moscow Olympics final. India secured the gold medal with a 4-3 victory over Spain, adding to their Olympic record. They met again in the bronze medal clash at Paris 2024, where India beat Spain 2-1 to take the bronze medal.

Observers often note the contrasting playing styles of the two teams. India is frequently associated with a fast-paced, skill-oriented approach, while Spain is often characterized by tactical discipline and strategic play.

In recent years, matches between India and Spain have become increasingly competitive. The teams regularly meet in significant tournaments, with outcomes often closely contested.

The head-to-head record between India and Spain is in favour of the former, with them leading by a slender margin. In the recent years, India has risen to be among the top teams in the world. On the other hand, Spain has fallen off the radar a bit.

The only time Spain faced success against the Indians in the last five encounters, was in an international friendly tournament.

It is also worth noting that India had thrashed Spain 3-0 at the Tokyo Olympics 2020. This had come right after their 0-7 defeat to Australia, thus reviving the team’s campaign. India eventually went on to win a historic bronze medal.

Also Read: Hockey: India vs Spain head-to-head record

Last five meetings between India and Spain

Paris Olympics 2024: India 2-1 Spain (August 8)

Skipper Harmanpreet Singh scored twice to help India beat Spain 2-1 and clinch the bronze medal match at Paris Olympics 2024. The game was also a farewell for legendary Indian goalkeeper PR Sreejesh who bid adieu to international hockey.

India had started the match well and made nine circle entries in the opening quarter itself, but could test the Spanish goalkeeper only twice. They were put on the backfoot when Spain took the lead from the penalty stroke at the start of the second quarter. The Men in Blue eventually pulled back through a brilliant penalty corner goal from Harmanpreet. Once level, India lifted their attacking ante and took the lead in the third quarter once again through their skipper.

The team then held on to their lead and defended bravely with goalkeeper Sreejesh pulling off a couple of wonderful saves late into the match to seal the win and the medal.

FIH Pro League 2023/24: India 2-2 Spain [SO: 8-7] (19 February 2024)

India had a brilliant start to the game, as they took an early lead via Jarmanpreet Singh. However, they conceded a penalty corner immediately and Basterra made no mistake, making it one apiece. India then played really poorly for a while. The Spanish took advantage of that, as Miralles set up Lacalle, making it 2-1 in favour of them.

India continued to look out of sorts for a while. However, they got a flurry of penalty corners, and Abhishek slotted in from a rebound. Spain took multiple shots at goal, but Sreejesh didn’t allow them to take the lead. There was drama in the dying minutes, as Akashdeep sent the ball into the goal, but was ruled out as a foot had been found.

In the penalty shootout, a whopping 15 attempts went into the goal unanswered, combining the efforts of the two teams. It was eventually Sreejesh, who made the difference, by saving a shot from Marc Miralles’s stick.

FIH Pro League 2023/24: India 4-1 Spain (10 February 2024)

This was a game which belonged to India’s dragflickers Harmanpreet Singh and Jugraj Singh. Hardik Singh earned India a penalty corner. Harmanpreet sent it in right between the goalkeeper’s legs, giving India the lead. While India continued to dominate, they got their big chance only in the second quarter.

Three penalty corners were earned in quick succession, with the third one leading to a penalty stroke. Harmanpreet sent Calzado the wrong way, as the lead had been now doubled. Another PC was earned and with Harmanpreet off the pitch, Jugraj stepped up, sending it in between the keeper’s legs.

Spain got a penalty stroke early in the third quarter, and Marc Miralles sent it right into the roof of the net. India then were never in much trouble, as they held onto the lead comfortably. Lalit Upadhyay added the finishing touches to the scoreline, backhanding a drive, into the goal.

International Friendly: India 1-2 Spain (25 July 2023)

India went down fighting in the opening match of the four-nation Tornel del Centenario in Spain. India had the larger share of possession early on, but it was Spain who broke the deadlock. Cunill Pau converted a penalty corner, with the drag-flick going through goalkeeper Krishan Pathak’s legs. India raised the intensity in the second quarter, but couldn’t find an equaliser.

In fact, it was Spain who scored next. Joaquin Menini tapped the ball in from a long pass, as Spain doubled their lead early in the third quarter. A seesaw battle started, as both teams got chances, but the defence of India and Spain stood strong.

In the fourth quarter, Spain held possession for long periods, looking to close out the game. In the dying minutes, Harmanpreet Singh converted a penalty corner. However, it was a case of too little, too late.

FIH World Cup 2023 Group Stage: India 2-0 Spain (13 January 2023)

India got the perfect start to their World Cup campaign as they defeated Spain 2-0 in the opener. In the first quarter, Harmanpreet Singh’s dragflick during a penalty corner was saved, but local boy Amit Rohidas sent a ripper through, as India took the lead.

With a couple of minutes left in the second quarter, Hardik Singh dribbled into the Spanish circle and tried to find Lalit. However, the ball deflected off a Spanish stick and went into the goal. India had an early chance in the second half to treble their lead, but Harmanpreet Singh shockingly failed to convert a penalty stroke. He hit it straight and the goalkeeper had no difficulty in saving it.

Spain then attacked hard and tried to come back into the game. They got a number of chances in the fourth quarter, but India managed to maintain the clean sheet.

India vs Spain Last 5 games

India: 3

Spain: 1

Draws: 1

India vs Spain Overall Head-To-Head

Olympics

Matches Played: 11

India: 8

Spain: 1

Draw: 2

Hockey World Cup

Matches Played: 7

India: 2

Spain: 4

Draw: 1

Champions Trophy

Matches Played: 4

India: 1

Spain: 2

Draw: 1

Hockey Pro League

Matches Played: 6

India: 2

Spain: 2

Draw: 2

Other Matches

Matches Played: 44

India: 18

Spain: 17

Draw: 9

Total

Matches Played: 72

India: 32

Spain: 26

Draw: 14

India vs Spain goals scored

India: 144

Spain: 134

India vs Spain biggest wins

Biggest India win: 6-1 (Test match, 2019)

Biggest Spain win: 8-2 (Test match, 2009)

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