After a humiliating 1-7 thrashing at the hands of mighty Australia, the Indian men's hockey team on Tuesday defeated Spain 3-0 in their third Group A game at the Oi Hockey Stadium South Pitch to keep their hopes of qualifying for the quarter-finals alive in the ongoing Tokyo Olympics 2020. With this win, India has moved up to the second position in Pool A. Australia are at the top of Pool A with 9 points.
Rupinder Pal Singh scored twice while Simranjeet scored one goal to give India a easy win over Spain. Before losing to Australia, India had defeated New Zealand.
For India, Simranjeet Singh scored a goal very early in the first quarter to ease down the early nerves. Soon after this, India gained a 2-0 lead by the end of 1st quarter, courtesy a superb goal from Rupinder Pal Singh.
India managed to hold a strong 2-0 lead by the end of second and third quarters as no goals were scored. However, it wasn't an easy task for Manpreet Singh-led side to hold off Spain, who were looking quite good while making attacking moves.
Rupinder successfully converted a penalty corner into a goal in the fourth quarter to help India gain a 3-0 lead. India managed to hold on the lead till the end of the match and walked away with the much-needed victory.