Spain inflict huge defeat on Indians

Hosts go ahead 1-0 in Test series

The Spaniards simply toyed with the Indians, pumping in five goals in the first half before adding three more in the second session to complete the rout.

For the hosts, the goal-getters were Santi Freixa (third and 15th minutes), Xavi Ribas (14th), Albert Sala (26th), David Alegre (30th), Xavi Llenart (36th and 49th) and Victor Sojo (67th).

India’s consolation goals were scored by Hari Prasad (51st minute) and Rajpal Singh (60th).
To make it worse, goalkeeper Sreejesh was shown the yellow card midway in the first-half after he had charged on Santi Freixa, leaving Vikram Pillay to don the custodian’s mantle for the rest of the match.

Freixa had to be hospitalised for a serious knee injury which doctors said would put him out of the Euro Nations Cup at Amstelveen, Holland, later this month. Spain never allowed India to settle down in the lop-sided match and unleashed attacks at lightning speed, spearheaded by Freixa who was ably supported by wingers Edward Tabau and Xavi Llenart.

India, who rested goalkeeper Adrian D’Souza, Dhananjay Mahadik, Prabodh Tirkey, Tushar Khandker, Ajitesh Roy and Shivendra Singh, lacked the spark seen against England and Belgium in the first half of their European tour.

Their midfield and defence caved in right from the start of play as the Spaniards repeatedly outwitted Sandeep Singh, Sardar Singh, Ignace Tirkey and VS Vinay.
Spain earned seven penalty corners while India got none.

India’s forwards were totally off-colour and there were mispasses galore by Bharat Chikara, Prabhjot Singh, SV Sunil and Birendra Lakra.

India arrived in Spain after narrowly clinching a 2-1 victory over Belgium in a three-’Test’ series. The Indians had earlier lost to England 1-2.