FIH Men’s Hockey Pro League: India beats Spain 8-7 in thrilling penalty shootout

PR Sreejesh’s heroics in the shootout helped India secure a thrilling 8-7 shootout victory against Spain in their fifth match of the FIH Hockey Pro League 2023/24, at the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium on Monday.

Sreejesh made one save in the shootout, while Harmanpreet Singh, Sukhjeet Singh, Lalit Upadhyay, Abhishek, and Raj Kumar Pal converted their chances to help India earn a bonus point.

Jarmanpreet Singh (1′) and Abhishek (35′) scored a goal each for India, while Jose Basterra (3′) and Borja Lacalle (15′) found the net for Spain in regulation time.

India started the game aggressively as Jarmanpreet Singh (1′) scored an excellent field goal in the first minute from an acute angle. Despite going down early, Spain responded with a fast counter-attack, earning a penalty corner and equalizing through Jose Basterra (3′). India maintained pressure on Spain’s defenders, with Akashdeep earning a penalty corner, but Harmanpreet Singh’s shot missed the target.

In the dying moments of the first quarter, Spain took the lead as Borja Lacalle (15′) scored after receiving a pass from Spain’s Captain Marc Miralles. The second quarter saw India making an aggressive start, applying constant pressure on Spain’s defense, but the opposition held firm, leading Spain 2-1 at halftime.

In the third quarter, both teams displayed quick-fire hockey, and India managed to equalize at 2-2 as Abhishek (35′) capitalized on a penalty corner. The score remained tied at the end of the third quarter.

With 15 minutes left, India intensified their pressure on Spain, earning a penalty corner with six minutes remaining. However, they failed to convert as Amit Rohidas’ shot was well-blocked by the Spain goalkeeper. Sreejesh made crucial saves in the final minutes as Spain attacked relentlessly, resulting in a 2-2 scoreline at the end of regulation time.

India will now face the Netherlands in their fourth match on Wednesday.