Women's Hockey Pro League: India go down to last-minute goal by Spain — Highlights
Team India lost 3-4 to Spain in the FIH Pro League on Sunday to concede their first loss of the campaign.
India vs Spain Women's FIH Pro League (Hockey India)
The Indian women's hockey team lost 3-4 to Spain at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Sunday. They had earlier won the first leg 2-1 on Saturday with goals from Neha and Jyoti.
In a game of great goals, debutant Sangita Kumari, Salima Tete and local favourite Namita Toppo were on the money for the hosts, and the game looked to be headed for a penalty shootout before Spain converted a Penalty Corner with less than 20 seconds left on the clock.
As it happened:
Spain with the more convincing attacks in the final minutes. A Penalty Corner for Spain with 30 seconds left. That's it then, India cannot claim the 3 points from this match. Can Spain claim the win here or are we going into a penalty shootout?
And Spain do it! Xantal scores. A 4-3 lead for Spain with 20 seconds left on the clock.
Into the final 10 minutes now. Both teams look to sit back and then throw it all forward in few focussed attacks. Lots of sticks colliding in the midfield at the moment as the match turns into one of attrition.
An yellow card for Jyoti with less than 5 minutes left!
Namita Toppo hits a bouncing ball into the goal! And India are level! Another home favourite, another Odisha player scores!
Another huge save, this time at the other end! Monika shoots, but the Spanish goalkeeper keeps it out. Some lengthy delays in the game due to some decisions referred to the video referee. India lose their referral, Spain overturn an on-field decision and keep theirs.
Meanwhile, the goal of the match so far:
The debutant Sangita with some very impressive stickwork early in the 2nd half. But it's Savita who comes up with the first piece of heroism of the half. Spain are awarded a Penalty stroke. But Savita saves it! India remain in the game.
Q3 begins. Navneet swings and misses as this frenetic game gets underway in the second half.
A brilliant first half ends with Spain leading 3-2. Some stunning goals in that half. India lacking some imagination in the final third.
How will the 2nd half pan out?
Salima Tete! A solo run by the home favourite and then a hit on the reverse into the net! Not smashed with power, but placed into the net with precision.
But India's joys are short lived! Sangita Kumari scored a brilliant goal earlier today, but now Iglesias scores what has to be the best goal of the match! A lob over Savita. A goal for the ages! Today's match has seen some stunning goals, watch out for the highlights reel.
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