Ramandeep Singh's Brace Helps India End Europe Hockey Tour on a High
Ramandeep Singh scored two goals within a minute of each other to help India outclass Spain in the third and deciding match on their hockey tour of Europe.
India ended their European tour on a high thanks to Ramandeep Singh's scoring skills that stunned Spain in the third and deciding international friendly in Terrassa. India beat Spain 4-2 to win the series 2-1. The home team had won the first match 4-1 but India squared the series winning 2-0 on Tuesday. (Highlights: Spain vs India)
After a goalless first quarter, Rupinder Pal Singh converted a penalty corner in the 24th minute. India lost the lead in the next minute when Ricardo Santana wove past the Indian defence and scored past the normally rock-solid goalie PR Sreejesh. It was 1-1 at halftime. (Spain Thrash India 4-1 In First Leg)
India stole the lead again in the final seconds of the third quarter. In the 45th minute, Akashdeep Singh sneaked into the Spanish circle and managed to dribble-past the defenders before finding the net with a sizzling hit. (Indian Hockey Will Bounce Back After Loss)
In the fourth quarter, Spain put an extra player in their attacking line and levelled 2-2 in the 49thminute with a field goal scored by Xavier Lleonart. After conceding the goal, India counter-attacked and that took the Spaniards by surprise.
Banking on the long ball passes from teammates, Ramandeep managed to sneak into the Spanish defence in the 50th minute and scored the third goal for his team. Moments later, he kept his cool to score in the 50th minute and seal Spain's fate.