Indian Women's Hockey Team lose 2-3 to Spain
Indian Women's Hockey Team lose 2-3 to Spain
~ Udita (12') Gurjit Kaur (48') score for India in the opening match in their Spain Tour against the hosts ~
Goals by Udita and Gurjit Kaur notwithstanding, Indian women's hockey team lost its opening game of European tour to Spain 2-3 on Saturday. Though the visitors put up a spirited fightback yet it was not enough to defeat the hosts.
Also Read: Tour of Korea : First defeat for Indian women's hockey team
India took to attacking strategy to begin the first quarter on a positive note. It made the first breakthrough when it managed to earn a penalty corner in the 8th minute but could not convert.
Four minutes later the Indian forward line worked like a well oiled machine to support experienced Vandana who created a splendid opportunity for compatriot Udita to score in the 12th minute.
Also Read: Indian women's hockey team leaves for London to play in Vitality World Cup
A reverse pass by Vandana was picked up well by Udita who made no mistake in sending it past the Spanish goalkeeper Maria Ruiz to take a 1-0 lead.
[caption id="attachment_246869" align="aligncenter" width="770"]
Indian Women's Hockey Team lose 2-3 to Spain[/caption]
In the second quarter, hosts Spain stepped up its game after the initial setback to score an equaliser in the 23rd minute through Maria Tost. While the second half saw both teams defend well to contain each other from taking a lead, the third quarter completely belonged to Spain as it scored two goals in the 39th and 40th minute through Lola Reira and Begona Garcia, respectively.
Also Read: Youth Olympic Games: Indian men go down fighting to Australia 3-4 in Hockey 5s
The fourth quarter remained tense for India as it fought back to make amends to its defensive lapses in the previous quarter. A tactical approach to its attack saw them win a crucial PC which was brilliantly converted by drag flicker Gurjit Kaur in the 48th minute. The remaining time was evenly fought by both the teams. Spain,however, raised its defence to deny India an equaliser.
-PTC NEWS
