Spain downs India

MELTON KEYNES, MARCH 24. India's bid for a berth in the Sydney Olympics got off to a disastrous start on Friday as it went down 1-3 to 1992 champion Spain in the opening match in the women's Olympics hockey qualifying tournament here.

The Indians, placed in the tough group A with Germany, Ireland and USA being the other teams, lost ground from the start as Spain controlled the match and never allowed them much chances. Seasoned forward Sonia Barrio struck twice, by converting penalty strokes, while Sonia de Ignacio-Simo scored the other goal for the winners. Mamta Kharab scored the consolation for India almost at the stroke of the final hooter.

Needing to finish among the top five to join defending champion Australia and continental winner the Netherlands, South Korea, Argentina and South Africa in Sydney, the Indians did well to match their speedy rivals midway through the first session but were totally outclassed in the second half by the Spaniards for whom Barrio did the star turn.

The 29-year-old forward, playing her 197th international, won a penalty stroke in the 24th minute when her fierce drive from inside the box struck defender Kamala Dalal's foot on the goalline.

Barrio herself took the stroke and easily fired the ball past Indian skipper Tingonleima Chanu to put Spain ahead 1-0. The Indian hopes of a fight back after change of ends did not materialise as Spain struck again within 10 minutes with Barrio again leading the way.

The speedy forward played a dummy off a penalty corner and instead of firing the ball at the goal pushed it to De Ignacio- Simo, who made no mistake from close range. Barrio, who was replaced by Luria Lopez late in the second period, scored her second goal off another stroke, awarded after Chanu had brought down Nuria Camon inside the circle.

The Indians did manage to carry out some good attacks but could not breach the rival defence. On the few occasion they managed to break through, the efficient Spanish goalkeeper Elena Carrion came to her team's rescue.

Sumrai Tete and Ferdina Ekka made goalbound efforts in this period but were thwarted by Carrion, who had a good day. India takes on Ireland on Saturday, seeking a big win to keep alive its hopes of finishing among the first five. Spain meets strong Germany in another clash which is likely to decide the winner of the group.

Earlier in a short indoor ceremony on Thursday evening, the FIH President, Mr. Juan Angel Calzado, inaugurated the event. The England Hockey Association President, Ms. Monica Pickersgill, welcomed the 10 participating teams and assured them that the prevailing cold, wet and windy weather was unusual for an English spring, but the welcome extended to them was certainly a lot warmer.

Mr. Calzado took the stage to welcome the players on behalf of the FIH and to encourage them to make an effort towards ``fair play'' that was expected of the hockey community. He expressed regret that only five teams would go to the Sydney Olympic Games and wished those that made it good luck.

- PTI

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