The match was a nail-biter, marked by intense moments and heroic efforts, with captain Harmanpreet Singh placing twice and rising because the undisputed star of the sport.
The match began on a difficult be aware for India as Spain capitalized on a penalty stroke within the 18th minute to take an early 1-Zero lead. Marc Miralles transformed the stroke, slotting the ball into the highest left nook previous India’s skilled goalkeeper PR Sreejesh.
The stress was on India, however the group remained composed, progressively constructing momentum.
India’s breakthrough got here simply earlier than halftime.
After a collection of assaults, India earned a vital penalty nook with solely 21 seconds left on the clock within the second quarter.
Skipper Harmanpreet stepped up, and along with his trademark drag-flick, he powered the ball into the online, levelling the rating at 1-1. The objective not solely equalized the sport but in addition shifted the momentum in India’s favour.
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Because the third quarter commenced, India continued to press ahead. Simply two minutes into the second half, India earned one other penalty nook.
Harmanpreet as soon as once more delivered underneath stress, scoring his second objective to offer India a 2-1 lead. His exact and highly effective flick left the Spanish defence with no probability, additional solidifying his status as the most effective drag-flickers on this planet.
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The ultimate quarter was a take a look at of nerves. Spain pushed exhausting for an equalizer, incomes a number of penalty corners, however the Indian defence, backed by Sreejesh’s essential saves, stood tall. Regardless of Spain’s relentless assaults, India held on to their slender lead, with the clock ticking down amidst intense drama.
Harmanpreet’s two targets have been pivotal, not simply in securing the win however in defining the match’s narrative. His management on the sector, mixed along with his capacity to ship in clutch moments, was instrumental in India’s victory.
The triumph in Paris provides one other superb chapter to India’s wealthy hockey historical past, with Harmanpreet on the forefront.
