Amit Rohidas (13’) scored India’s opening goal in the first quarter while Hardik Singh (27’) scored India’s second goal. The win takes India up to the second position  in Pool D point table just  behind England, who beat Wales 5-0 in the other league match earlier in the day.

Both teams started the match aggressively and the first 10 minutes remained neutral . The final few minutes of the first quarter saw India take control and scored all-important first goal.

After captain Harmanpreet Singh’s shot was blocked by the Spain defence, Amit Rohidas capitalized onto the loose ball and flicked his shot past a helpless Adrian Rafi in the Spanish goal to score India’s first goal of the Hockey World Cup 2023.

It was also India’s 200th goal in the tournament. Only Australia, the Netherlands and Pakistan have scored more than 200 goals in the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup.

India goalkeeper Krishan Bahadur Pathak pulled off some fantastic saves to keep India in lead.  India found a second goal from a counter attack.

Hardik Singh broke in pace and showed some stunning 3D skills to went past four defenders. His attempt at goal from a tight angle took a deflection off a Spanish defender and the ball went into the net. India took a 2-0 advantage into the half-time break.

Shortly after the restart, Akashdeep Singh won India a penalty stroke but Harmanpreet’s shot from the spot was just deflected on the line by Adrian Rafi. India came close to scoring a third on several occasions in the third quarter, including from two Harmanpreet Penalty Corners, but the scoreline remained 2-0 going  into the final quarter.

India will play England next on Sunday.