Bhubaneswar – Germany’s men’s team delivered a commanding performance against India in their first match of the Bhubaneswar leg of the FIH Hockey Pro League, while the Spanish women’s team staged a remarkable comeback to edge past the hosts in a thrilling encounter. England’s men’s team also secured a dramatic shootout victory after letting a two-goal lead slip against Spain.
England 2 – 2 Spain (SO: 1 – 0) (Men’s Match)
England’s men’s team fought hard to remain unbeaten in the tournament, overcoming a late Spanish comeback to secure a win in the shootout. Jacob Payton opened the scoring in the 13th minute, netting his first international goal. England doubled their lead in the 32nd minute when Sam Ward, with his signature drag flick, registered his 138th international goal, making him England and Great Britain’s all-time leading goal scorer.
Spain fought back in the final quarter, with Nicolas Alvarez reducing the deficit in the 49th minute, followed by Bruno Font’s stunning deflection seven minutes before full-time to equalize. Both sides had chances to secure victory in regulation time, but England held their nerve in the shootout, clinching the extra point. Goalkeeper James Mazarelo, who was named Player of the Match, praised his team’s resilience despite conceding twice in the final quarter.
India 3 – 4 Spain (Women’s Match)
India’s women’s team started strong but faltered against Spain in a gripping encounter. Baljeet Kaur put the hosts ahead in the 19th minute with a deft deflection, only for Spain to respond immediately through Sofia Rogoski. Estel Petchamé’s powerful penalty corner strike in the 25th minute gave Spain a 2-1 lead at halftime.
India dominated the third quarter with an aggressive high press, leading to Rana Sakshi scoring on her debut and Rutaja Dadaso Pisal scrapping for a goal to put India 3-2 ahead. However, Spain capitalized on defensive lapses in the fourth quarter, as Petchamé netted her second from a penalty corner rebound before captain Lucia Jimenez secured the winner from a quick free hit at the top of the circle.
Jimenez, awarded Player of the Match, lauded her team’s determination, emphasizing their fighting spirit and ability to capitalize on India’s mistakes.
India 1 – 4 Germany (Men’s Match)
Germany’s clinical finishing saw them overpower India 4-1, despite the hosts enjoying promising moments in the match. Florian Sperling opened the scoring in the 7th minute, but India’s Gurjant Singh responded quickly in the 13th minute. However, Germany regained the lead immediately as Thies Prinz capitalized on an aerial scramble.
Despite India’s dominance in the third quarter, they failed to convert their penalty corners. Germany extended their lead in the 48th minute through Michel Struthoff’s penalty corner rebound before Raphael Hartkopf sealed the victory in the 55th minute.
Germany’s Moritz Ludwig, named Player of the Match, praised his team’s defensive structure and attacking efficiency, stating that they defended with heart and executed their chances well.
Hero Top Scorers:
- Women: Freeke Moes (NED), Yibbi Jansen (NED), Jinzhuang Tan (CHN) – 4 goals
- Men: Sam Ward (ENG) – 9 goals
FIH Hockey Pro League Standings
For the latest standings, visit the official FIH Hockey Pro League website.
Women’s Match 23: India 3 – 4 Spain
Player of the Match: Lucia Jimenez (ESP)
Umpires: Timothy Sheahan (AUS), Junko Wagatsuma (JPN), Tamara Leonard (AUS – video)
Men’s Match 21: England 2 – 2 Spain (SO: 1 – 0)
Player of the Match: James Mazarelo (ENG)
Umpires: Ahmed Elsayed (EGY), Annelize Rostron (RSA), Rawi Anbananthan (MAS – video)
Men’s Match 22: India 1 – 4 Germany
Player of the Match: Moritz Ludwig (GER)
Umpires: Wanri Venter (RSA), Bevan Nichol (NZL), Annelize Rostron (RSA – video)
