Press Trust of India
Terrassa (Spain), August 13: The Indian hockey team ended their European tour on a high as they comfortably beat Spain 4-2 in the final encounter to win the three-Test series by a 2-1 margin, here Thursday.
Forward Ramandeep Singh turned out to be the hero with double strikes within a minute’s gap (50th and 51st min) to clinch the match for Sardar Singh’s boys. Drag-flicker Rupinder Pal Singh (24th min) and Akashdeep Singh (45th minute) were the other scorers for the Indian team. For Spain, Ricardo Santana (25th min) and Xavier Lleonart (49th min) were the scorers.
The first quarter started on a brisk note as both the teams competed to dominate in the early stages of the game. However, both teams failed to break the stalemate.
In the 24th minute of second quarter, Rupinder successfully converted India’s first penalty corner. The Spanish team struck back in the next minute as Santana dribbled past the India defenders and scored the equaliser for his team.
In the third quarter, Sreejesh again saved India from conceding the lead with a brilliant save off a penalty corner. Then in the last minute of the third quarter, Akashdeep sneaked into the Spanish circle and managed to hoodwink a couple of Spanish defenders and score from close to give India the lead.
But early into the second quarter, Spain again restored parity. However, their joy was shortlived as two quick strikes by Ramandeep ensured victory for India.