A rollercoaster of emotions unfolded in Hobart as India’s men’s team fell 3-4 to Spain in a pulsating FIH Pro League 2025-26 shootout after drawing 1-1 in regulation time on February 25.
Maninder’s 19th-minute strike had India dreaming of victory, only for Font’s late intervention to level terms and propel into penalties, where precision evaded the Men in Blue.
Spain probed early dangers: Mohit’s save on the fourth-minute drag-flick, Basterra’s offside goal. Rohidas’ 14th-minute penalty corner met Calzado’s glove.
Captain Hardik’s genius unlocked Spain’s defense, feeding Maninder for a perfect tomahawk. Karkera’s vigilance denied Kunil and Basterra, Abhishek’s raids teasing more.
Halftime: 1-0 India. Spain’s third-quarter barrage—two corners, both Mohit magic. Fortuno green-carded, Spain at 10; Jugraj denied by Calzado at 44′.
45th-minute Sanjay green card tested India. Karkera immovable, Vishnu’s corner missed conversion.
Clock ticking down, a 59th-minute blunder let Font equalize. Spain’s three corners in final seconds? India’s defense unbreached.
Shootout heartbreak: Abhishek and Hardik off-target, Spain triumphs 4-3. One point gained in battle. Australia’s Wednesday showdown looms large for redemption.