Men's World Cup: India beat Spain 2-0 in their opening Pool D match, bags 3 points
Total Views |
Rourkela, Jan 14: Starting their campaign with a victory, India beat Spain 2-0 in their first pool D match of FIH Hockey Men's World Cup 2023 here on Friday night.
At the Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium, Odisha's very own Amit Rohidas scored India's first goal in the 13th minute which incidentally also happened to be India's 200th goal at a World Cup. Hardik Singh too impressed with 27th minute goal for India.
Playing in front of a boisterous home crowd comprising of over 20,000 passionate global hockey fans, it took a few minutes before both teams could shake off the nerves and settle into the match. It was the last three-and-a-half minutes of the first quarter that got the Indian fans rise up on their feet when the home team unleashed potent attack, winning back-to-back PCs.
Congratulate Team India on starting their #HWC2023 campaign with a winning note against Spain at #BirsaMundaStadium in #Rourkela. Amazed to witness such outpouring of support for our team and passion for the game. Wish the team all the very best. #HockeyComesHome pic.twitter.com/IWYtGM57bw
— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) January 13, 2023
Soon, the crowd erupted in joy as the two Odia lads not only helped earn India's first goal of their opening match but this goal also happened to be India's 200th goal at a World Cup.
India went on to build their game in the second quarter, creating mouth-watering opportunities but they had to work hard till almost the end of the second quarter to beat the spirited Spanish defenders. In the thick of action was Hardik Singh, who showed just why he is a class apart, skillfully dribbling beyond the 25m mark, driving into the circle looking for striker Lalit Upadhyay to set up a goal. Cunill Pau who attempted to stop Hardik's pass happened to get a touch on the ball which deflected into the goal.
In the meantime, Krishan Pathak who alternated in the post after Sreejesh cleared Spain's attempts in the first quarter, was impressive in his efforts as he saved a PC - keeping a clean slate for India.
Comfortably leading 2-0 at half-time, India won a few more PCs in the following minutes but could not find the success they did well to hold on to the lead with all their might, brilliantly saved a couple of PCs earned by Spain, and marched into their second group stage game on Sunday with three points in their kitty.
On 15th January 2023, at 7 PM, India will take on England in their second pool D match.
Matches will be live on Star Sports Select, Star Sports First, Star Sports2.