~ Spain came from behind thanks to a 59th minute goal from Bruno Font after Maninder Singh had given India the lead. ~
Hobart, February 24, 2026: India went down 3-4 in a shootout against Spain after a thrilling 1-1 draw in regulation time during the Hobart leg of the 2025-26 FIH Men’s Pro League. Despite leading 1-0 until the 59th minute, thanks to a brilliant strike from Maninder Singh, a late equalizer from Spaniard Bruno Font forced the shootout.
Spain started strongly, controlling early possession and testing the Indian defense. They won their first penalty corner in the 4th minute but the drag move was comfortably saved by Indian goalkeeper Mohith. Spain thought they had taken the lead in the 8th minute, but Jose Basterra’s goal was disallowed. India shrugged off the pressure and earned a penalty corner in the 14th minute, but Amit Rohidas’ drag kick was denied by Spanish goalkeeper Luis Calzado, leaving the first quarter goalless.
The breakthrough came in the 19th minute. Captain Hardik Singh dispossessed a Spanish player, turned brilliantly and set up Maninder, who smashed a tomahawk into the net to give India a 1-0 lead. Spain responded immediately by winning a penalty corner, but Pepe Cunill’s shot was saved by Suraj Karkera. Karkera made another stunning save moments later to deny Basterra. Indian Abhishek also came close with an excellent dribble, but India maintained a slim 1-0 lead at half-time.
In the third quarter, Spain pushed high, while India tried to absorb the pressure. Spain’s perseverance earned them consecutive penalty corners, both expertly saved by Mohith. As the quarter came to an end, Spain were reduced to 10 men after a green card for Fortuno. India almost took advantage in the 44th minute but Calzado made a tight save against Jugraj Singh’s penalty corner.
In the final quarter, India were reduced to 10 men after Sanjay was given a green card in the 45th minute. Spain quickly won a penalty corner, but Karkera stood up again. While Spain desperately looked for an equalizer, India found space on the counter. Vishnukant Singh won a penalty corner in the 52nd minute but Rohidas missed the target. Minutes later, Rajinder Singh’s drag move also failed to find the back of the net.
As India tried to turn back the clock, a costly defensive error in the 59th minute allowed Bruno Font to score a brilliant equalizer. Spain won three consecutive penalty corners in the frantic final 13 seconds, but the Indian defense held firm to end regulation time at 1-1.
In the ensuing shootout, misses from Abhishek and Hardik Singh proved costly as India fell 3-4 and walked away with a single point from the hard-fought encounter.
India will next take on Australia in the fourth match of the Hobart leg of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 on Wednesday, February 25.
All India matches of the FIH Men’s Pro League 2025-26 Hobart leg will be broadcast on Star Sports Select 2 SD+HD and JioHotstar.