Madrid: The Indian women’s hockey team suffered a 1-4 defeat Sunday against hosts Spain in the fourth game to trail 1-2 in the five-match series here.
Lola Riera (10th, 34th) continued her fine form with a double strike while the other goals came from Lucia Jimenez (19th) and Carmen Cano (37th). India’s only goal of the match was scored by Udita in the 22nd minute.
Spain looked in prime form during the opening 20 minutes of the match, which saw them score twice. After the early setback, it was India’s turn to put pressure on the hosts. The pressure paid off for the visitors in the 22nd minute when Udita found the back of the net after linking up with her teammates to score a field-goal.
The third quarter was a crucial one in context of the match, and Spain’s attackers made sure that they stamped their authority by increasing their lead. The hosts scored their third goal on the back of a penalty corner in the 33rd minute when the drag-flick was adjudged to be blocked by the last Indian defender. The umpire awarded Spain with a penalty stroke which was well converted by Riera in the 34th minute.
Another attack by the Spanish three minutes later saw Carmen Cano deflect a cross from outside the striking circle into the back of the net, making the score 4-1 in favour of the home side.
India tried to build some attacks in the final quarter but Spain made sure that they were not successful. The two teams will play their fifth and final match Monday.