Text and Photographs by Vijay Sathya
India's National Anthem being played prior to the match
Summary
Spain played a brilliant tactical game to beat India 4-0 in the Junior Men's Hockey World Cup. India, riding high after a spectacular 4-1 win against fancied Holland yesterday, were expected to put it across Spain, a team they beat recently in the build-up to the Junior World Cup. However, Spain played their best match of the tournament; crowding out the feared Indian forward line and counter attacking with style and purpose to demolish India and show just why they are ranked number one by FIH here at the Junior World Cup.
First Half
Nitin Kumar Hemmed In By 3 Spanish Players
Both India and Spain played out the first few minutes tentatively. A fumble by Sandeep Singh in the midfield allowed Spain to launch a counter attack. In the ensuing action, a careless stick check on a Spanish forward in the Indian striking circle resulted in a penalty stroke awarded to Spain. The Spanish captain converted from the spot with the ball going off the gloves of Indian goalkeeper Adrian.
Stung by this early setback, India went in search of the equaliser. A fine long cross from Xalco found Nitin near the Spanish 25 yard line. Nitin wove into the Spanish circle beating 3 Spanish defenders to earn India's first penalty corner in the 10th minute, but Sandeep Singh's flick was well read by the Spanish defence.
The next 20 minutes saw India do most of the attacking. Tushar impressed with some fine runs on the right flank. Vinay was prominent both in setting up moves and falling back to defend. In one such move Vinay wove into the Spanish striking circle and his shot on goal was brilliantly saved by the Spanish goalkeeper in the 21st minute. Spain defended well, crowding out the midfield and the Spanish D.
Spain looked very dangerous on counter attacks, where they exploited open spaces left by the Indian midfield. The Spanish captain caught the eye with some impressive runs, and Adrian came up with some good saves to keep the Spaniards at bay.
In the 29th minute, Spain earned their first penalty corner when a Spanish forward intentionally tapped the ball back on to the feet of William Xalco. Adrian did well to save a high drag flick from the Spanish penalty corner battery. However, the Indian defence showed inexplicable hesitancy and failed to clear the ball in time and Spain's Enrique Sergio tapped the ball in to put Spain ahead 2-0 in the 29th minute.
Spain then applied sustained pressure on the Indian defence and earned their second penalty corner in the 32nd minute. But the Indian defence did well to intercept and clear the ball. At the end of the first half, the Indians had 10 circle penetrations and were unable to score, while Spain had 5 circle penetrations and had scored two goals.
Second Half
Sandeep Singh Executes a Drag Flick
India resumed the second half with vigour and earned a penalty corner almost immediately in the 37th minute, but Sandeep's low flick went just wide off the right post. India made repeated forays into the Spanish 25 but were simply unable to pierce the Spanish defence, who did an outstanding job in checking the the Indian forwards. Another penalty corner earned by India in the 41st minute went abegging with Sandeep off the mark again.
It was Spain who scored against the run of play with a brilliant field goal from the Spanish captain in the 45th minute. 3-0 down and with barely 15 minutes to go, the pressure was beginning to tell on the Indians. India threw everything up frront in a bid to reduce the margin. But so resolute was the Spanish defence that the Indians were not allowed a single shot on goal thereafter.
Spain on the other hand grew in confidence and made some incisive moves. Adrian made a couple of good saves but could not stop Lainz Juan from adding a 4th goal in the 57th minute off a goalmouth melee. In the last 5 minutes, the Indians had clearly given up and were playing for the hooter. Spain closed in and applied some intense pressure on the Indian goal, but the Indian defence stood firm.
Clearly, Spain had played to a well laid out plan. Spain packed the midfield and marked the Indian midfielders closely, forcing the Indian defence to go for long crosses from the deep to reach the Indian forwards.
Spain also employed a zonal defence, allowing ample space to the Indian forwards on the flanks. The Indian forwards repeatedly moved up the flanks unmarked and were then then hemmed in by 3 to 4 Spanish defenders on approaching the Spanish 25 line. Spain also resorted to play acting and faking injuries at the drop of a hat to break the rhythm of the Indian attack and to spoil the concentration of the Indians.
For India, nothing went right. Sandeep was off colour with his drag flicks. The Indian midfield, which was breathtaking in it its interceptions and playmaking against Holland, had an off day. The left flank, which worked so well against Holland, was virtually non-existent. India played far below their true potential, and credit here must be given here to the Spanish defence who played brilliantly and gave the Indians virtually no room whatsoever.
Post Game
Indian Fan With Dhol
India have thus lost the first of the 3 crucial pool E matches. India take on Korea and England in back to back games on the 5th and 6th, and must win both games to secure a semi-final slot.
A far from easy task that, given the impressive form of the Koreans who have won all games thus far in the tournament, including a comprehensive 3-1 mauling of Spain. India will need to put in an inspired performance as they did against Holland, and that's something that this Indian team is certainly capable of doing.
