The hosts and one-time Hockey World Cup winners India started the Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2023 in a strong way with a 2-0 win against Spain at Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium (Rourkela).
Indian fans enjoyed a solid performance from the home team on Friday (13th January) evening. The home team had one goal each in the first two halves of the match, while their fighting opposition failed to find their first score.
Brief match report: India vs Spain
Q1 (Final Scoreline): India 1 (Amit Rohidas 13’) – Spain 0
After Spain had a top start by narrowly missing opening the scoreline in the first minute, India completely dominated in the first quarter.
Just two minutes before the end of the first quarter, India scored their first goal of the tournament, thanks to a penalty corner. After Hardik Singh set the penalty corner to the captain Harmanpreet Singh, the skipper’s drag flick was blocked, but Amit Rohidas then had a strong hit to end the hosts' wait for their opener.
It was India’s 200th goal in FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup competition history, the third team to achieve this feat (after Australia and Netherlands).
Q2 (Final Scoreline): India 2 (Hardik Singh 27’) – Spain 0
Goalkeeper Krishan Pathak made two good saves and some more solid defences ultimately denied Spain’s opener before half-time. Though Spain had a much better time in this quarter, the hosts still maintained a solid performance.
Hardik scored India’s second goal of the match in the 27th minute. After a great run to the left flank, Hardik delivered the ball to Lalit, who was very close to the goal-line, but Spain’s Pau Cunill had an unsuccessful attempt to block that dangerous pass as his stick created a deflection to result in India’s favour.
Half-time
Q3 (Final Scoreline): India 2 – Spain 0
While the hosts dominated, Spain were not much threatening in this half. In fact, Spain were lucky enough that the hosts couldn’t add more goals despite having some great chances.
India got a penalty stroke opportunity, but Harmanpreet’s attempt was saved on the goal-line. The referral had no clear evidence to change the umpire’s original no-goal decision.
Q4 (Final Scoreline): India 2 – Spain 0
Though Spain tried hard, the hosts were majorly in control in the final half of the game. The Spanish team had some good chances, but they were unable to open their scoreline.
Full-time
Player of the Match award: Amit Rohidas
