India’s poor run of form in the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 continued as they lost their opening match of the Hobart leg 0-2 against Spain on Saturday, February 21. Goals from Ignacio Abajo and Ignacio Cobos proved decisive. Spain’s disciplined defensive organisation and clinical finishing secured the result and set the tone for their campaign, while India failed to convert attacking opportunities.
India came into the Hobart leg in wretched form as they lost all four matches at home in Rourkela to Argentina and Belgium, conceding 19 goals in the process. They were also without the services of Harmanpreet Singh, with Hardik Singh taking up the armband. However, that wasn’t enough to see a turnaround in fortunes.
HOW DID THE MATCH UNFOLD?
The match began with Spain taking an early lead in the 6th minute through Ignacio Abajo, who finished a swift counter-attacking move. Despite India’s early attacking intent and quick passing, the Spanish defence and goalkeeper Luis Calzado held firm, denying clear scoring chances and frustrating India’s forwards.
Spain continued to test the Indian defence throughout the first half, winning multiple penalty corners. Indian goalkeeper Suraj Karkera produced several key saves to keep the deficit at one goal, ensuring the match remained competitive at halftime.
India’s best chance in the opening quarter came through Abhishek, whose attempt to equalise was thwarted by Calzado’s crucial intervention. The close contest remained finely balanced as both teams sought an advantage going into the second half.
The third quarter saw Spain double their lead when Ignacio Cobos found space inside the circle to score in the 36th minute. Spain pressed aggressively in this period, winning five penalty corners. However, India’s defence held strong and limited further damage.
India earned their first penalty corner in the final quarter but failed to convert. Later in the match, goalkeeper Honnenahalli Shashikumar Mohith made an impressive one-on-one save to prevent a third Spanish goal.
In an attempt to close the deficit, India withdrew their goalkeeper in the last four minutes to add an extra outfield player. The tactical move did not yield the desired result, as Spain maintained their defensive structure and prevented India from scoring.
India are currently eighth on the points table just above Pakistan who are rooted to the bottom after losing eight out of eight games. India will take on Australia in the second match of the Hobart leg on Sunday, February 22.
