Spain Defeats India 1-0 in a Hard-Fought FIH Pro League Clash

Bhubaneswar In a closely contested battle, Spain edged past India 1-0 in the FIH Hockey Pro League 2024/25 (Women) at the Kalinga Stadium on Wednesday. Captain Marta Segu (49’) scored the only goal of the match, securing Spain’s fourth consecutive victory in the tournament.

The game was an intense affair, with both teams displaying strong defensive performances throughout the first three quarters. Despite several goal-scoring opportunities, neither side could find the back of the net in the first half.

Tense First Half with Missed Opportunities

The opening two quarters were highly competitive, with Spain creating early chances. In the sixth minute, Spain won back-to-back penalty corners, but Indian goalkeeper Savita made two crucial saves to deny Lucia Jimenez and Berta Serrahima.

India also came close to breaking the deadlock in the 15th minute, when Vice Captain Navneet Kaur dribbled skillfully along the baseline and set up Sushila Chanu, who failed to control the pass in front of goal. Spain won another penalty corner in the 18th minute, but Constanza Amundson’s shot went over the crossbar.

In the second quarter, India showed attacking intent but lacked the final touch. Baljeet Kaur won possession and dribbled towards goal, but her pass to Sakshi Rana was misplaced. Moments later, Navneet Kaur earned India’s first penalty corner, but her attempt failed to find the target.

Just before half-time, Florencia Amundson won a penalty corner for Spain, but Vaishnavi Phalke, the first rusher, made a critical block, ensuring the teams went into the break goalless.

Spain’s Persistence Pays Off

Spain turned up the pressure in the third quarter, attacking relentlessly. In the 33rd minute, Patricia Alvarez showcased brilliant 3-D skills, weaving past two Indian defenders before setting up Amundson, whose powerful strike was miraculously saved by Savita on the goalline.

India’s defensive resilience was tested further when Manisha Chauhan conceded a penalty corner. Spain earned four consecutive penalty corners, but India’s strong defensive unit ensured the score remained level.

Segu Secures Spain’s Victory

The breakthrough came in the 49th minute, when Captain Marta Segu found space on the left flank and fired a powerful shot through Savita’s legs, handing Spain the decisive 1-0 lead.

India responded with urgency, creating two major scoring opportunities. Neha’s clever through ball nearly set up Lalremsiami, but the attacker couldn’t reach it in time. Moments later, Rutaja Dadaso Pisal took a strong shot, which was saved by Spain’s goalkeeper, and Lalremsiami’s rebound effort flew over the bar.

With just ten seconds remaining, India won a final penalty corner, but Navneet Kaur’s shot narrowly missed the target, allowing Spain to hold onto their narrow lead and extend their winning streak in the FIH Hockey Pro League.