Need to convert more chances: Harmanpreet Singh
Indian hockey skipper Harmanpreet Singh urged his team to “finish well” as they suffered their first defeat in the ongoing FIH Men’s Pro League going down to lower-ranked Spain.
Execution of penalty corners once again became the talking point as India lost to Spain 2-3 here on Sunday, which came on the back of a thrilling 4-3 win over New Zealand in the tournament-opener. “We were creating a lot of chances. We received a lot of penalty corners. We were trying for different variations and combinations.
It was a closely contested match between India and Spain. Have a look at some gripping moments from yesterday’s match. #HockeyIndia #IndiaKaGame #FIHProLeague @CMO_Odisha @sports_odisha @IndiaSports @Media_SAI pic.twitter.com/2sGsxLLqRv
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 31, 2022
But sometimes, they do not work out. We have two more matches to go next week, so hopefully we will try to convert more chances,” Harmanpreet said. World No 5 India got five penalty corners against eighth ranked Spain but could only convert one — from the sticks of Harmanpreet himself in the 27th minute.
The other being a field goal Abhishek in the 55th minute. For Spain, Eduard de Ignacio-Simo (17th), captain Marc Miralles (27th) and Marc Reyne (57th) scored to help their team pick up the win. India will face New Zealand on November 4 and Spain on November 6 in the reverse leg fixtures.
“We try to play with full pressure. So, we can create attacking chances. We were able to intercept a lot of passes and enter into the circle. But we can improve upon our finishing,” said the defensive bulwark of the Indian team.
Harmanpreet further hailed the ‘home crowd’ at the Kalinga Stadium. “This is our second home and we always receive massive support from the crowd here. So, it brings us a lot of positive vibes that we can do better and push ourselves,” he concluded.
