The Indian men's hockey team started their FIH Pro League with a 3-1 loss against Spain at the Kalinga Stadium in Bhubaneswar on Saturday.
India opened the scoring thanks to Sukhjeet Singh in the 25th minute but Spain bounced back to score thrice thanks to Borja Lacalle (28'), Ignacio Cobos (38') and Bruno Avila (56').
Craig Fulton's men started the game well. They created chances but couldn't find the goal in the opening quarter. Their effort was rewarded in the second quarter when Sukhjeet converted the opportunity after receiving the pass from Jarmanpreet Singh.
But the lead didn't stay for long as Lacalle equalised after just three minutes. India's defence was opened up and Lacalle was present at the back post to guide the ball in. The second Spain goal in the third quarter after India conceded a penalty corner. It was a poor trap but Spain kept the ball and then Cobos came with a solid finish.
In the final quarter, India needed to up the ante but Spain managed the game well and ensured India don't hold on to the ball for a long time. Avila converted his penalty corner chance to make it 3-1 and that was that for India.
Fulton will want more intensity from his players when the two teams meet again on Sunday. The players haven't played together for some time and are coming back after playing different systems and with different players at the Hockey India League.
You can relive the match on our live blog below: