India Fall 0-2 To Spain In FIH Pro League Opener Down Under

Last Updated:February 21, 2026, 15:11 IST

India's FIH Men's Pro League revival hopes fade after a 0-2 loss to Spain, with goals from Ignacio Abajo and Ignacio Cobos sealing the victory.

India’s hopes of a revival in the FIH Men’s Pro League were dashed as they suffered a 0-2 defeat to Spain, continuing their slump in form on Saturday, February 21.

Goals from Ignacio Abajo (6th minute) and Ignacio Cobos (36th) proved decisive as Spain combined clinical finishing with disciplined defending to bag the victory over India.

The Spaniards capitalised on their opportunities, while India were unable to convert promising chances despite sustained attacking intent.

Outplayed by the opposition teams in the home leg in Rourkela, with two defeats each against Belgium and Argentina, the Indian team hoped to bounce back under new captain Hardik Singh during the overseas leg.

The Hobart leg of the series, which features hosts Australia as well, will be held until February 25.

India started the game with sharp, quick passing, looking to control possession early, but Spain’s counter-attacking approach proved effective. Abajo capitalised on one such move, deflecting the ball into the net to give Spain an early lead.

Unfazed by the setback, India stayed committed to their structure, circulating the ball through midfield and probing Spain’s defence with intent.

The Indian team created several promising openings and almost found the equaliser towards the end of the quarter when Abhishek fired a powerful strike, only to be denied by an excellent save from Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado.

The second quarter produced end-to-end action, with both teams showing attacking intent and creating opportunities but not being able to convert. Spain earned their second penalty corner of the game in the 24th minute.

But Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera made a crucial save to prevent Spain from extending their lead.

In the closing minutes of the first half, Spain applied sustained pressure on India’s defence, but the Indian team absorbed it well before launching quick counter-attacks, including a promising circle entry that put Spain under pressure.

Despite both teams pushing for a goal, neither could score and Spain carried a slender 1-0 advantage into half-time.

Soon after the restart, Suraj Karkera produced a brilliant save as Spain came out well. Their pressure paid off when Cobos struck from close range after finding himself unmarked inside the circle to double Spain’s lead.

Buoyed by the goal, Spain continued to press high and earned five penalty corners towards the latter stages of the third quarter, but India’s defence held firm with disciplined defending to prevent any further damage.

Eager to stage a comeback, India started the fourth and final quarter on the front foot, spending sustained periods inside Spain’s circle and earning their first penalty corner of the game, though they were unable to convert the chance.

At the other end, Indian goalkeeper Honnenahalli Shashikumar Mohith produced a brilliant save in a one-on-one situation to prevent Spain from extending their lead.

With four minutes remaining, India withdrew their goalkeeper to add an extra outfield player in search of a breakthrough, increasing the pressure on Spain’s defence.

But despite their late push, India couldn’t find the back of the net.

India will next take on hosts Australia in their second match of the Hobart leg of the Pro League on Sunday, February 22.

(With PTI Inputs)

News sports hockey India Fall 0-2 To Spain In FIH Pro League Opener Down Under

Read More