Indian men's hockey team witnessed a disappointing start to its final preparatory campaign ahead of the Rio Olympics after it went down 1-4 to Spain in the first of the two practice games in Madrid.
For eight-time champions India, the loss against Spain couldn't have come at the right time as they give final touches to their preparation before flying directly to Rio from here in search of an Olympic medal that eluded the country for 36 years. India's last of the eight Olympic gold medals came way back in 1980.
India's lone goal last night came from the sticks of dragflicker Rupinder Pal Singh (21st minute). For Spain, Xavi Lleonart (10th, 31st) and Pau Quemada (30th, 42nd) struck the boards twice each.
The hosts started quickly off the blocks and opened the scoring in the 10th minute via Lleonart.
India's equaliser came in the second quarter from a penalty stroke which was converted by Rupinder.
Spain reinstated their lead in the final minute of the second quarter through Quemada to take a one goal lead at half-time.
After the crossover, Spain scored two more goals in the third quarter via Lleonart (31st) and Quemada (42nd) to extend their lead to 4-1 which stayed till the end.
India will play Spain in the second match later tonight.
(REOPENS FGN 6)
Oltmans said India will have to learn to play without Surender in the next two games following his suspension for a dangerous foul during the last league outing against Malaysia on Wednesday.
"In a short period of time that he has been in the national squad, Surender has acquired a certain place," said the coach. We'll have to make some changes, but it will not affect the game-plan."
India have benefitted from the success of Rupinnder Pal Singh in conversing penalty corners in this tournament, where he is the tournament's highest scorer with 10 strikes against his name.
Three players - Pakistan's Muhaammad Aleem Bilal, Malaysian Faizal Saari and Kenta Tanaka of Japan - are tied for the next position, which is six goals behind Rupinder.
Paul Lissek, the German coach of the South Korean side, is all praise for his young team after yesterday's match, where they gave Malaysia a fright.
"We've been consistent throughout the tournament, but were unlucky not to have scored more goals," said Lissek.
"We're looking forward to taking on India. We played a fine game against them in the league fixture," Lissek said, asserting that South Korea were "capable of winning this tournament."
Hosts Malaysia are looking to repeat their winning show of the tournament's opening match against defending champions Pakistan.
"Tomorrow will be different ball game than the league fixture. This is the business end of the tournament," said Malaysian coach Steven van Huizen, adding that his team was bracing for the challenge.
Winners of the 2012 and 2013 titles, Pakistan started the tournament with a 2-4 loss to Malaysia, but their coach Khawaja Junaid believes that "the semi-final will be a mental battle."
"We have talented players who are showing their mettle. The result of the semifinal will depend upon conversing penalty corners, which is the strength of both teams," said Junaid.
