India inflict pain on Spain, win 5-2 to draw level

Murcia (Spain), January 29

The Indian women’s hockey team put up a spirited display to stun World Cup bronze medallists Spain 5-2 in its third match of the tour here on Tuesday.

Young Mizoram striker Lalremsiami (17th, 58th minutes) starred with a brace, while Neha Goyal (21st), Navneet Kaur (32nd) and Rani Rampal (51st) also scored in India’s first win of the tour. The series is now level at 1-1. After having lost the tour opener 3-2, India held Spain to a 1-1 draw in the second game.

In the third match, it was Spain who opened the scoring in the seventh minute through Berta Bonastre.

A determined India, however, made a quick recovery with Lalremsiami’s fine goal in the 17th minute. They struck again four minutes later through Neha to take a 2-1 lead. Navneet struck a splendid third goal in the 32nd minute.

Though Bonastre scored her second in the 35th minute to narrow India’s lead, the visitors kept their nose ahead with strikes at the right time.

Skipper Rani found the net in the 51st minute and then Lalremsiami scored her second goal just two minutes from full time.

“I am pleased with the performance,” said India’s chief coach Sjoerd Marijne.

“We are working to be steadier in our performances and we are improving match-by-match. This is a process and we need to keep repeating such performances to grow further,” he added.

“I am giving constant feedback on individual performances and behaviours. Overall, we are progressing well and beating a World Cup medal-winning side on their home ground is a big confidence boost for this young team,” he added. India will play their fourth match against Spain on Thursday. — PTI