Hockey World Cup 2023: India beats Spain by 2-0 in a thrilling opener

Amit Rohidas (left) celebrates with teammates after scoring the opening goal against Spain at Rourkela, Odisha, yesterday. Pic/PTI

World No.6 India began their World Cup campaign on a rousing note with an emphatic 2-0 win over Spain at the swanky new Birsa Munda Stadium here on Friday. In front of a jam-packed crowd of 20,000, Harmanpreet Singh & Co comfortably put it across World No.8 Spain to register their first points in Pool D.

India scored the opening goal through local lad and vice captain Amit Rohidas in the 12th minute off a penalty corner. A drag-flick by skipper Harmanpreet was deflected by a Spanish defender into the path of Rohidas, who slammed home for 1-0. It was also a landmark 200th World Cup goal for India, who only have one World cup title to boast of, Malaysia 1975. India's second goal came in the second quarter when a speedy Hardik Singh made a quick move down the left, taking a couple of Spanish defenders in his stride before tapping in to double the lead.

Also Read: Hockey World Cup 2023: The heat is on Harmanpreet!

India were by far the better side as they dominated the possession besides earning as many as five penalty corners. Skipper Harmanpreet though would be a tad disappointed with his individual performance considering he also missed a penalty stroke besides failing to get on to the scoresheet through any of the penalty corners.

India next play England on Sunday. The Englishmen thrashed Wales 5-0 in another Pool D match earlier in the day.

Also Read: Men's FIH Hockey World Cup 2023: Full schedule, Date, Time

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